The multiple strikes carried out by the medical workforce finally left Cameroonians sceptical on the government’s capacity to take decisions in favour of the public health community. However, the Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda, indeed signed on 16 February 2017, a decree setting the conditions for State coverage, of public health personnel, for non-service-related treatments and medical costs of diseases.

According to this decree, medical costs will be fully refunded by the State based on complete claims addressed to the Minister of Finance on approval by the Regional Governor, after mandatory assessment by the Regional Health Board, for all personnel working in decentralised services, as well as retirees and spouses or children.

The assent of the Minister of Public Health is required, after that of the National Health Board, for personnel working in central services as well as their spouses or children. The medical cost refund files must have all the supporting documents relating to funds disbursed, as well as any other evidentiary documents.

S.A