By CHILA NAMAIKO –
PARLIAMENT heard that the 2017 General Nursing Council of Zambia (GNC) examination was cancelled due to gross malpractices discovered in a leakage that circulated on Whatsapp, a social media network.
The House, meanwhile, heard that Government has budgeted K1.9 million towards the rehabilitation and re-integration of street children and K217,880 allocated for campaign against child marriages.
Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya informed the House that the examination was cancelled after a whistle-blower alerted an officer at GNC and other relevant authorities.
Dr Chilufya said the leakage was discovered through a Whatsapp message where some people were exchanging the examination questions.
He said this in response to question for oral answers from Lupososhi Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament (MP) Bwalya Chungu.
Mr Chungu wanted to, among other matters; know why the November/December 2017 GNC examination was nullified, and measures the Government was taking to avoid disruption of the academic year following the nullification of the examination.
Dr Chilufya said the Government had engaged the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority and the Police to investigate the matter.
He said investigations were underway and warned that those found wanting would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
This was in response to a follow-up question by Roan PF MP Chishimba
Kambwili (PF), who wanted to know if any person had been arrested in connection with the leakage.
On UPND Mazabuka MP Garry Nkombo, who sought clarify whether the incident at GNC would dent the institution’s integrity in providing education to nurses, Dr Chilufya said the nursing profession had been cherished and held in high esteem in Zambia because of its integrity.
He said the premises where final examinations were held is restricted and under 24-hour security.
Meanwhile, Sports and Child Development Minister Moses Mawere told the House that the ministry had removed 3,000 children from the streets and reunited them with their families.
Delivering a policy statement of the ministry’s budget for 2018, Mr Mawere, however, said the removal of street children needed an integrated and multispectral approach that addressed the root causes of streetism among children.