'Research critical for healthcare sector'

'Research critical for healthcare sector'
Published: 18 October 2017
The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) will this week host the 25th edition of the Annual Medical Research Day to explore ways to strengthen the country's health delivery system and offer solutions to some of the challenges facing the healthcare sector.

Running under the theme: "Promoting Health Systems Research for Health Systems Strengthening," the annual medical research day will be held on October 21.

In an interview veteran urology surgeon and director of the UZ Institute of Continuing Health Education, Mr Christopher Samkange said that the research event was expected to set the tone and shape how medical research could inform the country's healthcare strategies.

"This is an event where we come together and explore ways and strategies to improve our health care systems and health care outcomes," he said.

"How can we use medical science to improve the well -being of our people? How do we take care of our caregivers? What services are we giving to women who have been raped? How many are being treated? These are some of the issues that will be discussed at the event."

Mr Samkange said the research day was a significant event for Zimbabwe's health care professions and the general public at large as it sought to promote medical education and research that prepares globally-minded and community – focused health experts who are responsive to the needs of the people.

"Our concern this year, is to discuss the country's healthcare delivery system," he said. "The country's healthcare delivery system is not breaking down but people need to perform better. They need motivation and more support to make it work more efficiently.

"In spite of the difficult economic circumstances the country's health delivery system has continued to perform. We want to use medical research innovations to make it work even better."

About 54 papers will be presented at the event.

Dr David Okello, World Health Organisation country representative is expected to give a keynote address at the event.

"The main thrust of this event is that we cannot improve as a country unless we analyse the performance of various cogs in the health sector," said Mr Samkange.

"Our presenters have done thorough studies of the different aspects of the country's healthcare delivery system. They will give possible solutions that could be implemented and improve outcomes and the quality of life of citizens."
- bh24
Tags: UZ, Research,

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