As the world marks International Nurses Day on May 12, South Africa (SA) is shining a spotlight on nurses working to bring healthcare closer to underserved communities.
The day, celebrated annually on the birthday of modern nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, is being observed this year under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered nurses save lives.”
In SA, nurse-led Mpathy Clinics are gaining attention for helping nurses run affordable primary healthcare facilities in township communities.
Speaking during an interview, Managing Director of Rhiza Ventures ,Linda Dunkley said the initiative is about more than recognition for nurses.
“We need to back recognition with real action. We need better support, better opportunities and greater investment in nurses,” Dunkley said.
Rhiza Ventures, together with its non-profit arm Rhiza Babuyile, supports the Mpathy Clinic network by helping nurses establish and manage clinics, while also providing mentorship, operational support and business guidance.
The clinics, some of which operate from converted container structures, are aimed at improving access to healthcare in communities where public facilities are often overstretched.
Dunkley said empowering nurses to become clinic owners could help reduce pressure on the public healthcare system while improving access to preventative and chronic care services.
Her comments come as the World Health Organisation warns that Africa still faces major shortages in healthcare workers despite increasing numbers of trained professionals across the continent.
–ChannelAfrica–
