Zambia
Working with NORTEC, the Northern Technical College in Ndola, THET has co-developed the first pre-service training course for Biomedical Engineering Technologists (BMETs) in Zambia.
THET has assisted NORTEC in developing workshops, providing equipment and tools, creating a curriculum and providing lecturers and workshop managers. The 10 term (3+ years) BMET diploma course began in September 2013 and currently has ninety-five students enrolled. Moreover, a train-the-trainer course was developed to train local lecturers to take over the lecturing of this course beyond 2017.
There is no point in getting equipment if you are not able to maintain it. Maintenance is key.
Dr. Joseph Musowoyo, Consultant Surgeon, Ndola Central Hospital, Zambia
At the end of 2017, the first cohort of twenty-one BMET students have completed their final exams. THET is working with the Zambian Ministry of Health to find appropriate positions for these students. We have great expectations of the graduates, and what they will bring to the country.
We have also completed a mapping exercise of health technology management in the Zambian health service, alongside the Ministry of Health. This will assist our work going forward, working with the Ministry in improving management practices and equipment related processes.
