At inauguration of Bertoua Regional Hospital Centre: PM says quality, affordable healthcare key pillar of gov’t’s social action.

Dion Ngute was speaking while inaugurating the ultramodern Bertoua Regional Hospital Centre on behalf of the Head of State, Paul Biya. 

President Biya’s envoy was accompanied to the East Region by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie. 

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of Bertoua population and elite of the East Region who massively turnout for the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the government has undertaken a significant move to improve the technical platform of healthcare delivery in the country. 

This, he said, justifies the construction of Regional Hospital Centres nationwide so as to have a healthy population which can contribute to the country’s national development efforts. 

President Biya’s envoy said the Bertoua Regional Hospital Centre will help bring quality and affordable healthcare closer to the population as well as reduce medical evacuations from the East Region. 

Dion Ngute said the Bertoua Regional Hospital Centre will undoubtedly be a pull factor for medical tourism in the East Region as it between the three North regions, neighbouring Central African Republic, CAR, and the Republic of Congo.

The PM reassured the population of the East Region that the government will continue strengthening the healthcare system and the Universal Health Coverage scheme. 

Dion Ngute told the population that different projects including creation of the University of Bertoua, the Lom Panga dam, roads are part of efforts made by the government under President Biya to better the socioeconomic situation of inhabitants of the Region. 

700 consultations within first month of operation

The Director of the Bertoua Regional Hospital Centre, Andjembe Essola Jose, said the health facility is equipped to provide healthcare services in various specialties. 

He said with the Bertoua Regional Hospital Centre, cases of medical referrals from the East Region will drastically be reduced.

He said the health facility provides services in common pathologies present in the East Region and has so far carried out 700 consultations within the first month of its existence.

Bertoua City Mayor Salutes Project, others 

Speaking earlier, the City Mayor of Bertoua, Jean Marie Dimbele, saluted the construction of the category II health facility. He said the state-of-the-art hospital is a mark of concern for the wellbeing inhabitants of the East Region from government. 

He said the hospital comes to add to the infrastructure constructed under the Biya regime in the East Region including roads, a university, hydroelectric dams among others. 

Call for Biya to seek re-election

On his part, the Mayor of Doume, speaking on behalf of the population, expressed the wish for the Head of State to seek re-election in 2025. 

The population of East Region, the mayor said, has expressed gratitude to government for the realisation of the project which they have described as “paradise on earth”. 

About the health facility 

The Bertoua Reference Hospital Centre is erected on five hectares of land. The imposing and modern architecture, has capacity of 102 beds. Of these, 90 are meant for conventional hospitalisations, meeting general and specialised care needs, while 12 beds are reserved for intensive care for patients requiring intensive monitoring.

In addition, the facility is made up of several annex buildings, structured into twelve main units. Each of the units is equipped with the most advanced medical equipment, ensuring optimal delivery of healthcare services. 

Among these units, there is an operating theater equipped with ultra-modern operating rooms, allowing various surgical procedures to be carried out with maximum safety. The Intensive Care Unit is equipped to provide critical care, ensuring patient care in the most delicate situations.

The hospital's laboratory is another key element, offering accurate and rapid diagnostic services using cutting-edge technology. 

The presence of a Sterilization Unit guarantees strict hygiene standards, essential for the safety of patients and staff. Medical Imaging Services, on the other hand, include X-ray, MRI and CT machines, enabling detailed and accurate diagnoses.

The facility also has a pharmacy to provide wide range of medications and treatments necessary for patients. 

The event was attended by administrative authorities led by the Governor of the East Region, Grégoire Mvongo, municipal and regional council officials, traditional rulers and elite. 

The Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, Minister Joseph Le, who is an elite of the region also answered present alongside many other sons and daughters of the region. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No 3138 of Tuesday June 11, 2024