On June 16, Health Minister Manaouda Malachie (photo) revealed that Cameroon was deploying more Emergency Medical Services (SAMU) with French and South Korean cooperation. The idea is that, in time, each of the country's 58 departments will be equipped with a SAMU, explained the government official.

He disclosed the information before the parliament when questioned by a member of parliament on the measures taken by the government to improve the technical facilities of hospitals located on accident-prone roads. Manaouda Malachie defended himself by pointing to the gradual establishment of a network to provide effective assistance to road accident victims. For the Health Minister, it is more accident management and better care that is lacking than technical capabilities. 

Nevertheless, he said, the technical capabilities of three hospitals on the  Douala-Yaoundé axis, the busiest in the country, were improved. Hospitals in Mbankomo, Pouma, and Edéa have had their equipment upgraded. "The Pouma district hospital went from being in a very advanced state of disrepair, with a zero attendance rate, to an acceptable state today. Its rehabilitation has enabled it to be equipped with a quality technical platform and to handle emergencies," he said.  

Several events have also helped to improve medical services. Minister Manaouda cites the organization of the African Cup of Nations in January-February 2022, which enabled Cameroon to acquire new ambulances and mobile medical units. He also pointed to the positive side of Covid-19, which led to the creation of an incident management center that enables better management of accident victims.  

The Minister also denied that he was concentrating his efforts solely on the Douala-Yaoundé axis. According to him, the construction of regional hospital centers is part of this drive to assist road transport passengers.

L.A.