By HealthTimes Reporter
THE inaugural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) extravaganza which kicked off yesterday has come to an end amid calls by exhibitors to have more public awareness and interactions during the expo days.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, ZimAfro Director Shepherd Chakanza said they aim to grow the event in the coming year following the positive response they received from local exhibitors and players in the medical emergency services sector.
“We intend to see this Expo growing year by year and we intend to invite participants from outside Zimbabwe to come and take part in this event.
“For so many years, the EMS sector has not been recognized as an important sector so we decided to host this expo to acknowledge the support for the good job they are doing in Zimbabwe,” said Chakanza.
Exhibitors who participated at the EMS expo include CIMAS, NETSTAR, CELLMED HEALTH, EMRAS, MARS, Heaththease, PCD diagnostics Pvt Ltd, QF MedEquip, ER24, CARE Ambulance and evaluation, Harare Physio and Sports Injuries Clinic, Eczema Association of Zimbabwe Trust, AHPCZ, St Johns Hospital, Health-walk Medical Equipment Suppliers Pvt Ltd, The Automobile Association of Zimbabwe amongst others.
Meanwhile, an awards ceremony meant to recognize efforts made by players in the EMS sector was held concurrently with the closing ceremony.
The first categories of recipients were individuals who have represented the interest of EMS, AHPC and or on the EMS Education Liaison Committee of the AHPC.
“The individuals have played leading role in EMS governance and regulation and have played an important part on inspection of new services leading to registration. Thereby benchmarking and mourning maintenance of standards and professional and ethical practice on the part of organization involved in EMS as well as individual practitioners.” said an official whho presented the awards.
Amongst the winners were, Mr. E Muchena City of Harare Fire and Ambulances, Mr. B Masango MARS, Sr. Kim Goss and Mr. Craig Turner who was rewarded with the lifetime achievement award.
Turner is a founding member and patron of the Zimbabwe Ambulance Professionals Association ZAPA and is the current chairman of the Private Ambulance Services Association of Zimbabwe.
