Council of Medico-Sanitary Professionals wants order restored in training of health workers.

Speaking as he fielded questions from newsmen Wednesday in Yaounde, the chairman of the council, Dr Fobasso Dzeuta Melkior, stated that the said diplomas do not meet the training standards required to ensure that graduates have the skills needed to guarantee patients’ safety. 

He told reporters at the presser that continued consultation between the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Public Health, the Council and other relevant bodies, was urgent. 

“We encourage constructive and inclusive dialogue to find lasting solutions to these complex problems,” he said.

Earlier in his introductory statement at the gathering, Dr Fobasso told reporters that his council had “noted with concern the anarchic creation of training schools outside the scope of the 1980 decree. This unregulated proliferation has inevitably led to a disparity in training programmes, both initial and continuing”.

He regretted that there are currently no uniform standards for curricula, leading to disparities in the skills acquired by students at the end of their training across the country. 

He said in addition, the issue of trainers and their qualifications remains a course for concern. 

“There is no standard profile of recruitment criteria for trainers, which calls into question the quality of the teaching provided” he told the press conference before stating that: “Another major problem is the introduction of short cut leading to BTS/HND/DSEP/HPD diplomas in health. These fast-track courses cannot guarantee the acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed to practise in the healthcare field competently and ethically. The duration of these programmes is simply insufficient to train qualified and responsible professionals”.

Dr Fobasso said the absence of a national entrance examination or final certification exam for courses run by the Ministry of Higher Education and other ministries in addition to the Ministry of Public Health, is very worrisome. 

He was blunt that without a rigorous and standardised selection process, it is impossible to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are admitted to the said sensitive medical-health training programmes. 

He said the shortcomings call into question the quality and credibility of the diplomas awarded.

Speaking further, Dr Fobasso said the issue of the quality of internships deserves particular attention. 

“The numbers, duration, periods, locations and supervision of trainees are often inadequate. Trainees do not receive adequate supervision and practical training, which can be detrimental to their professional development and their ability to provide quality care,” he regretted. 

He continued that: “…we would like to remind you of the laws and regulations in force governing the practice of the medical and health professions in Cameroon. Law no. 84-009 of 5 December 1984 regulating the practice of the professions of nurse, midwife and medical-health technicians clearly defines the qualifications required. According to this law, no one may practise these professions without being of Cameroonian nationality, holding a recognised State diploma, registered with the Order and approved by the competent authorities”.

“In addition, Law no. 84-010 of the same date sets out the organisation of the Council, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with these standards and regulating the practice of these professionals” he added.

He insisted that as an organisation, the Council has a crucial role to play in protecting the public.

Dr Fobasso clarified that: “Our primary mission is to ensure that only qualified, state-recognised professionals practise in the healthcare sector”.

“We ensure that members of our professions adhere to the highest ethical standards and provide quality care to the public. Our Council comprises two main bodies: the General Assembly and the Council of the Order, which work together to achieve these objectives,” he said.

He continued that his organisation “is committed to working with the relevant authorities to improve training standards and ensure that only qualified professionals work in the health sector”.

“We reaffirm the importance of strictly regulating the practice of the health professions in Cameroon. The health and well-being of our fellow citizens depend on the competence and ethics of the professionals who care for them,” the organisation concluded.

This story was first Published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3194 of Friday August 09, 2024