MORE than 2000 nurses in KwaZulu-Natal are expected to join the public health sector next week after their graduation ceremonies.
Nursing colleges in the province will confer certificates on nurses who have been studying at various campuses.
Provincial health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the province had produced 1769 nurses in 2007 and 1952 in 2008.
The new graduates are expected to ease the burden on health personnel. The department has always been overstretched because of resignations by professionals seeking "greener pastures" overseas.
The province is also besieged by a high number of diseases such as HIV-Aids, TB, STis and diarrhoea.
Dhlomo said: "Health professionals play a central role ... in improving access to quality healthcare.
"They cater for people who depend on public healthcare services that promote health, prevent diseases and deliver healthcare services to individuals, families and communities based on the primary healthcare approach.
"Mechanisms for optimising the strengths and skills of health professionals will be essential to achieving the millennium development goals."
KZN gets an injection of 2000 nurses
MORE than 2000 nurses in KwaZulu-Natal are expected to join the public health sector next week after their graduation ceremonies.
Nursing colleges in the province will confer certificates on nurses who have been studying at various campuses.
Provincial health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the province had produced 1769 nurses in 2007 and 1952 in 2008.
The new graduates are expected to ease the burden on health personnel. The department has always been overstretched because of resignations by professionals seeking "greener pastures" overseas.
The province is also besieged by a high number of diseases such as HIV-Aids, TB, STis and diarrhoea.
Dhlomo said: "Health professionals play a central role ... in improving access to quality healthcare.
"They cater for people who depend on public healthcare services that promote health, prevent diseases and deliver healthcare services to individuals, families and communities based on the primary healthcare approach.
"Mechanisms for optimising the strengths and skills of health professionals will be essential to achieving the millennium development goals."