Harare, (New Ziana) – Chitungwiza Central Hospital (CCH) on Wednesday celebrated a double milestone – its 40th anniversary and the graduation of 117 nurses, one of its biggest.
The graduating class comprised 93 registered general nurses (RGNs) and 24 midwives, marking the hospital’s 22nd since it attained central hospital status in 1985. Deputy Health and Child Care Minister Hon. Sleiman Kwidini, who officiated at the event, praised the graduates for their perseverance and commitment to the nursing profession.
“Today, we celebrate graduates who have completed a rigorous Programme designed to prepare them to serve with competence and compassion,” said Kwidini. “They have been trained in preventive, primitive, curative, and rehabilitative care, and are now equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to meet the evolving needs of our communities.”
Reflecting on the hospital’s journey since opening its doors in 1985, Kwidini noted that CCH has consistently striven to deliver quality healthcare. He highlighted the establishment of the School of Nursing and Midwifery in the same year, which laid the foundation for training health workers who would carry forward the institution’s mission.
“The school’s affiliation with the University of Zimbabwe in 2004 further strengthened its role as a centre of academic and clinical excellence,” he added. CCH’s chief medical officer, Dr. Raphael Makota, underscored the hospital’s achievements over the decades, describing it as a beacon of healthcare excellence.
“One of our proudest achievements came in 2005, when we became the first public hospital in Southern Africa to be certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe,” said Dr. Makota.
“This milestone marked a pivotal moment in our quality journey. Building upon this foundation, we recently adopted the 5S Kaizen Total Quality Management System, propelling us further in operational efficiency and reinforcing our commitment to service excellence.”
He said the graduating nurses had demonstrated resilience, determination, and compassion in their training. “Your journey has not been easy, but your achievement today is testament to your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the noble profession of nursing,” Makota told the graduates.
He also highlighted CCH’s numerous accolades, including a recent award for Corporate Social Responsibility at the Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) General Meeting. “These recognitions are a reflection of the timeless efforts, professionalism, and expertise of our talented staff,” he said.
“We take immense pride in delivering patient-centered care that meets and exceeds the expectations of our community.” Former Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. Obadiah Moyo, who played a key role in CCH’s elevation to central hospital status, also commended the institution for maintaining high standards of patient care.
New Ziana
