Public Health: Gov’t Strives For Quality Healthcare

In a bid to ensure an acceptable standard of healthcare to Cameroonians, the Minister of Public Health, Malachie Manaouda conducted an unannounced inspection of several public and private healthcare facilities in the Centre Region yesterday, October 16, 2025. This resulted in the immediate closure of establishments deemed non-compliant with regulatory requirements. The Minister's first stop was the Obala District Hospital in the Lekie Division of the Centre Region, where he was received by the Director of the hospital, Dr. Georges Bouting. During his tour of the hospital's various units, it was evident that the facility is functioning smoothly. Notably, the HIV healthcare unit is operating effectively within established frameworks to achieve results. However, one of the staff members Alomo Catherine Rosine highlighted that patient mobility remains a crucial factor, with challenges in reaching those in remote areas. The unit is also collaborating with the UN to enhance viral load testing capacity.

The Minister's next stop was a health unit in the Obala locality, where he encountered a concerning scene. Upon arrival at the "Centre de Sante Mont des Oliviers", a nurse seemed unaware of the Minister's identity and asked him to take a seat while she attended to another matter. After a brief wait, she inquired about the purpose of his visit, seemingly in a hurry. It was only then that the Minister introduced himself, clearly to her surprise. Following an assessment, the Minister discovered that the facility lacked qualified staff, particularly in maternity care. Assistant nurses in training were working without supervision, which the Minister deemed unacceptable. “The lack of oversight is a significant contributor to maternal mortality and is simply unacceptable,” Minister Malachie Manaouda lamented. As a result, the facility was shut down pending a thorough assessment and guidance from the Regional Delegation of Public Health to ensure compliance with required norms and standards....