Source: ZACC urges transparency in recruitment – herald
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has fired a warning shot at officials within the health sector, declaring that the era of recruitment scandals and the use of forged certificates to secure nursing places is over.
Speaking at the signing of Integrity Pledges by the Health Service Commission (HSC) in Harare on Wednesday, ZACC chairperson Mr Michael Reza said the commission would no longer tolerate the “scourge” of corruption that has seen unqualified individuals infiltrating the medical profession.
“We have read countless reports in the press about the enrolment of student nurses with fake qualifications and the diversion of resources meant for public clinics to private surgeries,” Mr Reza said.
“These acts occur because institutions lack the internal fortitude to resist and curb corruption. The signing of Integrity Pledges today (Wednesday) is therefore highly commendable, as it seeks to rid the health sector of such ills.”
He also warned that the pledges signed by the HSC officials are not a “public relations exercise” but a binding accountability framework.
“The Integrity Pledge should lead to a noticeable reduction in complaints regarding recruitment irregularities and other improprieties in the health sector.
“ZACC will not treat these pledges as a public relations exercise. These pledges are an accountability framework that should lead to the attainment of Vision 2030.”
He also stressed that the recruitment, training and deployment of health workers must yield maximum value for citizens, aligned with the Second Republic’s Vision 2030.
“Our country cannot achieve prosperity if its people are unhealthy and institutions are weak,” he said. “Taking ownership means ensuring that the resources allocated to the Health Service Commission are utilized for their intended purpose.”
To bolster these efforts, Mr Reza urged the HSC to move beyond “personality-based leadership” and establish an Integrity Committee to act as a “fortress” against malfeasance.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Health Service Commission Deputy Chairperson Dr Abigail Rugare Kangwende said: “We are delighted to sign a corporate pledge, integrity pledge, as the Health Service Commission, and also an individual pledge to fight corruption, to denounce corruption, to promote integrity, ethical behaviour and practises, and transparency in our practise as the Health Service Commission.
“This is key for our commission, which oversees and promotes ethical behaviour among the public sector health workforce.”
Signatories included HSC Secretary Dr. Christopher Pasi, as well as Commissioners Major General (Rtd) Dr. Gerald Gwinji, Mr. Angelbert Mbengwa, and Mrs. Josephine Mwakutuya, among others.
The crackdown comes as the Government continues to implement strict regulations to flush out unruly elements from the sector.
According to Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, at least 20 nursing trainees have been dismissed from Government and mission training institutions over the past five years after being found in possession of forged Ordinary Level certificates.
By formalising these ethical commitments, the HSC aims to restore public trust and ensure that Zimbabwe’s medical infrastructure remains dedicated to serving the citizenry.
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