Stop exporting patients, Unilus urged govt

Stop exporting patients, Unilus urged govt

 By George Zulu

ZAMBIA must produce graduates who are fit to work and not those fit to memorise only, the University of Lusaka (Unilus) has said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Pinalo Chifwanakeni said excelling in academics should not be about passing examinations and memorising, but the services one offered after acquiring knowledge.

Prof Chifwanakeni was speaking during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Unilus and Guangzhou MeCan Medical Limited of China.

“There are so many graduates in this country, but we still export patients to other countries. Why? Because we have not yet reached that level of training human capital beyond the classroom,” he said.

“We at the University of Lusaka believe in hands-on training. We want Zambia to produce graduates who are fit to work and not who are fit to memorise. We want graduates who are hands-on,” he said.

Prof Chifwanakeni said Zambia had a huge number of graduates in health, wondering why the country continued to export patients outside Zambia.

He said the scenario exposed the country’s lack of a well-trained human capital and infrastructure capacity.

Prof Chifwanakeni challenged trainers and institutions throughout the country to invest in equipment and capacity to produce graduates able to compete at an international level.

“So, it is also a challenge to lecturers, a challenge to training institutions to invest in equipment that will not only result in that product which is worth competing internationally, but a product that will make us export less of patients. Because you can imagine a country where you export patients instead of attending to them,” he said.

Prof Chifwanakeni said investment in infrastructure and human resources should be non-negotiable for Zambia to improve health delivery in all areas.

He said the partnership with MedCan would go a long way in ensuring that Zambia and institutions in particular produce well-respected professionals.

“So, as a nation, these are areas that we need to focus on, to pay attention to, and invest in that human capital. When I say this is a doctor, we call that person a real doctor, not a doctor from the three-hour exam,” he said.

MedCan Medical Limited chief executive officer Andy Miao said poverty could not stop anyone from living their dream.

“I grew up in a poor family. My parents didn’t have much, but many kind people helped me along the way. Because of their support, I was able to study, to grow, and later build my own company. Without their help, I couldn’t be standing here today. I started MedCan Medical in 2006. Today, we are proud to be one of the pioneer companies in China that provide one-stop medical equipment and hospital solutions. We work with hospitals and schools in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. Our goal is simple:  help people get the healthcare they need. That’s why this scholarship is so close to my heart. It’s not just about money,” he said.