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Texila American University Zambia (TAUZ) hosted a successful Induction Ceremony for its new cohort of medical graduands, marking a significant milestone for both the graduates and the institution.
The event, held at the Lilayi campus, brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, including Permanent Secretary for Administration at Ministry of Health Dr Christopher Simoonga, Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) Chairperson for Medical Education and Research, Dr. Chuma Njovu and Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) Secretary General, Dr. Monday Sichula am ong others.
The ceremony who took the opportunity to commend TAUZ for its vital role in bolstering Zambia’s healthcare workforce. In his keynote address, Dr. Simoonga emphasized the government’s commitment to investing heavily in health infrastructure to enhance medical tourism in Zambia. He announced plans to construct ultramodern Cancer Hospitals in Livingstone and on the Copperbelt, aiming to attract tourists seeking specialized medical care.
Dr. Simoonga also addressed the need for more healthcare professionals in Zambia, noting that the treasury had already approved funds for further recruitment of health workers. He encouraged the new doctors to treat patients with compassion and humanity as they begin their medical journeys, reiterating the importance of ethical and patient-centered care.
The Vice Chancellor of Texila American University Zambia, Prof. Ajay Poddar, congratulated the graduands on their hard-earned achievements and praised them for their discipline and dedication to their studies. “TAUZ students are disciplined and focused on their studies,” Prof. Poddar said, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s healthcare sector. He further highlighted the university’s commitment to producing well-rounded, competent healthcare professionals equipped to address the country’s unique health challenges.
The event also featured remarks from Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) Chairperson for Medical Education and Research, Dr. Chuma Njovu, who administered the medical oath to the graduands. Dr. Njovu stressed the importance of continuous professional development and encouraged the new doctors to pursue further training and specialization. “The journey of learning does not end with graduation,” he noted,
underscoring the need for ongoing education to stay abreast of evolving medical practices and innovations.
Dr. Njovu also highlighted the significance of engaging with professional bodies like the ZMA to build networks, share knowledge, and advocate for better working conditions and resources within the health sector. “The strength of our healthcare system relies not only on government support but also on the active participation and advocacy of healthcare professionals,” he said, urging the graduands to be proactive in their roles.
Adding to the encouraging messages, the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) Secretary General, Dr. Monday Sichula, called on the new doctors to embrace teamwork and mentorship as they enter the medical field. “As resident doctors, we understand the challenges of the profession, but we also know the power of collaboration and peer support,” Dr. Sichula remarked. He encouraged the graduands to seek guidance from experienced colleagues and to contribute positively to their respective health facilities.
Dr. Sichula also assured the graduands that the RDAZ is actively engaged in dialogue with the Ministry of Health to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, including fair working conditions, better remuneration, and access to quality training opportunities. “You are joining the profession at a promising time when strides are being made to enhance the working environment for all medical professionals,” he concluded.
The Induction Ceremony was a momentous occasion, not only for the graduands but also for Texila American University Zambia, as it continues to build its reputation as a leading institution for medical education in Zambia. The event underscored TAUZ’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals equipped to make a difference in Zambia’s healthcare sector.
The ceremony concluded with a sense of optimism and purpose, as the new medical graduates took their oaths, ready to embark on their careers with a commitment to excellence, ethics, and empathy.