By Moses Ziyambi
Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Dr Godfrey Gandawa has urged institutions of higher learning to prioritise student welfare and prepare for global pandemics by investing in their health facilities in order to meet student health needs.
Speaking at the official opening of the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)’s Mashava Students Medical Centre this week, Dr Gandawa challenged universities and colleges to improve their medical services to suit the growing health needs of students.
“Student health needs are more complex now than ever before. More students today come to campus with significant health needs including mental health challenges mainly in need of help to manage serious health challenges like asthma, chronic illnesses and even physical disabilities,” said Dr Gandawa.
He called for preparedness in light of the increasingly divergent health challenges that face students of higher learning.
“The growing numbers of international students and increased international travel by students, universities need to be prepared for global pandemics as well as to offer long distance medical, psychological and counselling to students travelling or studying off campus,” he said
He highlighted that the well-being of students should be of primary concern of leaders as students play a critical role in the existence of institutions of tertiary education.
“That the student is the biggest stakeholder of any institution of higher learning is no secret, and ignorance of this fact can hamper any institution’s growth and realisation of its mandate,” said Dr Gandawa.
“The realisation of the importance of student welfare by institutions drives them to cater adequately for student welfare inside and outside the classroom,” he added.
Dr Gandawa also encouraged universities to emulate GZU and look beyond the basics when providing medical services to their students.
“Gone are the days when most universities and colleges believed that their only responsibility in student health was to set up a clinic to treat minor ailments and injuries. Today, driven by a broader and better understanding of health and its impact on leaning, institutions of higher learning such as Great Zimbabwe University provide much more,” said Dr Gandawa, commenting the University for setting a good example.
“The establishment of this centre has placed Great Zimbabwe University steps ahead in the provision of quality student health services in the country and the region.”
The deputy minister had reserved some good words for First Mutual Life Insurance Company for its contribution to the success of the project.
“I am marvelled by the work that First Mutual has done. This is not only corporate social responsibility but you are leading in helping the government to achieve its objectives under difficult conditions,” he said.
Besides funding the renovations and equipment of the medical centre to the tune of 88 000 US Dollars, First Mutual also donated an ambulance worthy 35 000 US Dollars.
Group CEO Mr Douglas Hoto said his company was pleased to be involved in projects of that nature despite the challenging economic climate in the country.
“Difficult times call for good people. The challenges that we have are the source of inspiration,” said Mr Hoto.
“We believe in the higher education sector because we believe we are sowing a seed for future potential customers of our business and we want to catch them young,” he added.
The official opening of the medical centre was also attended by several dignitaries including GZU Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo, Reformed Church University (RCU) Chancellor Professor Wiseman Magwa and City of Masvingo Mayor Mr Hubert Fidze.Local
