Over 760 nursing assistants join healthcare sector

The Health Ministry on Tuesday graduated over 760 individuals as nursing assistants, further strengthening the country’s demanding and expanding healthcare sector with increased human resources.

This is the first batch of nursing assistants to graduate under the ministry’s hybrid programme.

Lasting approximately 12 months, the trainees underwent rigorous training sessions that began online and later transitioned into practical classes to ensure the highest quality of education and delivery.

The programme recorded an 87 per cent completion rate this year, with the largest cohort of participants hailing from Region Six.

One participant, Latoya Pillay, shared that her desire to become a healthcare professional stemmed from witnessing her mother’s long struggle with a severe illness.

“My mom became ill when I was a child… I literally grew up watching her suffer without anyone in the family able to properly care for her… so I said, even though she’s gone, I’m still going to do this so that I may be able to help others like her in the future,” she explained tearfully.

Another graduate, Emmanuel Newyear, highlighted the fulfilment he finds in being part of the healthcare profession. He explained that this sense of purpose was his main motivation for completing the Nursing Assistant programme.

“It’s amazing to be a healthcare professional. You get to save lives, put smiles on people’s faces — and it’s something that has to come from within. Caring for others is my heart’s desire,” Emmanuel said.

Delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony, which was held at the National Cultural Centre, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony urged the graduates not to view this achievement as their final destination, but as a stepping stone toward greater opportunities.

“So, as you graduate here today, there are lots of expectations, lots of hope, and lots of opportunity. You are the one who will have to make the best of what you are given,” Dr. Anthony said.

He continued, “We want you to see yourself as having a career in nursing or in healthcare as a whole.”

The minister also stressed the importance of developing empathy when caring for patients, noting that how caregivers interact with those under their care will significantly impact the kind of careers they build.

“One of the characteristics that we want all our nursing assistants to have is empathy, because… you have to feel what the other person is feeling when they come for care… If you understand that and work with them with that kind of compassion, it makes a big difference,” the minister stated.

Dr. Anthony affirmed that the training of these nursing assistants is aligned with the government’s significant investments in health infrastructure, all aimed at building a high-quality healthcare system. (DPI)

Latoya Pillay, graduate