By Own Correspondent| Government has suspended the recruitment of student nurses.

According to a circular to provincial medical directors and schools of nursing, the secretary for health Gerald Gwinji said nurses’ training had been suspended indefinitely.

However, Gwinji did not provide reasons for the decision.

Read the Circular dated December 18:

“Please be informed that the recruitment of student nurses from May 2019 and beyond has been suspended.”

The freeze comes on the heels of another development announced in October 2018 where government tightened enrolment requirements for individuals intending to train as  nurses.

Prospective nurses were notified that only candidates below the age of 30 possessing five Ordinary Levels from one sitting are eligible to train as nurses.

In a letter dated October 10 addressed to all hospital chief executive officers, provincial medical directors and medical superintendents, Heath and Child Care Permanent Secretary Dr Gwinji said enrolment requirements would change with effect from the May 2019 intake.