The Screening and Diagnostic Test Production Center Camdiagnostic will manufacture dialysis kits locally. This was revealed by Prof. Gilbert Lambin Taguem Fah, Chairman of the Management Committee of this center under the supervision of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (Minresi).

 "We are currently working on a strategy that will enable us, with our external partners, to produce dialysis kits to resolve the health problems caused by the shortage of those kits," he added.

According to Prof. Gilbert Lambin Taguem Fah, Camdiagnostic was instructed to sign new partnerships that will enable the local production of dialysis kits in such a quantity that can cover the needs and overcome the regular shortages denounced by dialysis patients who have multiplied in recent months in the country, particularly in Yaoundé (Center), Bertoua (East) and Maroua (Far North).

"In the long run, we hope that some parts of the kits will be manufactured in the country. We are working with some operators on this issue," the Minister of Public Health (Minsanté) Manaouda Malachie recently said.

In May 2020, the government received 40,000 dialysis kits purchased from German manufacturer Fresenius Medical Care. In December, the Minsanté announced the acquisition of 15,000 kits to stem the shortage. At the time, he explained that the kits acquired will help the various treatment centers provide care to patients for at least six months. This was not the case, however. Much to the dismay of dialysis patients, the kits were again out of stock. Then health authorities assured patients that they were taking every necessary step to address the challenges. This led the Minsanté to open a series of consultations, on January 19, 2021, with dialysis patients to find sustainable solutions for better access to care.

P.N.N