Health minister announces creation of drug factory, cancer institute.

Minister Manaouda used the outing to review advancements in the country’s health sector. He indicated that in 2024, government will also work to see that on the Mbalmayo Regional Hospital Annex.

Last year, he said the Universal Health Coverage, UHC, scheme which the Head of State, President Paul Biya, launched recorded 2,767,000 subscribers. He said efforts will be doubled to ensure more persons subscribe to the health scheme. 

For 2024, the minister said government targets stepping up the computerization of regional hospital centers, the implementation of the electronic medical card, the commissioning of the Inter-regional Health Simulation Center in Yaounde and the rehabilitation of the Yaounde Jamot Hospital. 

The public health boss also mentioned the rehabilitation and extension of Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery and the Human Reproductive Teaching Hospital, CHRACERH.

Dr Manaouda also announced plans to institute a health charter to guide the patient-healthcare personnel relationship. This, he said, is needed to put an end to the repeated clashes between healthcare workers and patients in hospitals.

He lamented that recurrent reports of misunderstanding, harassment and fights between patients and healthcare professionals had become an embarrassment. This year, the minister said, actions will be made to address the situation.

According to the minister “it is unacceptable for patients to harass health personnel. We must denounce such unacceptable behaviour. Nothing justifies that. If you want to be properly taken care of, you must have the right attitude when you get to the hospital”.

He also talked of plans to step up health promotion, nutrition, disease prevention, case management, and strengthening the healthcare system for the good of the population.