Police reaffirm commitment to offer quality healthcare to officers, civilians.

 This was during a visit to the facility, Monday. The visit aimed to explore the healthcare services offered at the centre, understand its benefits, and significance to the police force and communities they serve. 

The visit is in prelude to the celebration of the 53rd National Day on May 20. During the visit, Commissioner Dr Ekitti highlighted the centre's vital role in delivering comprehensive healthcare services daily. 

She emphasised prioritizing the health and wellness of officers and civilians to ensure a healthier community.

"The role of our medical centre is to provide healthcare to our patients, both civilians and police officers. We provide necessary care so they can leave here healthy," Dr Ekitti said. 

Commissioner Dr Ekitti said that the centre receives approximately 50 or more police officers and civilian patients daily, offering various services such as surgery, ophthalmology, maternity, gynecological services, physiotherapy, and cardiology.

She also explained the centre's process, from collecting vital signs to determining the appropriate service for each patient.

"If it is an accident, we refer the patient to the surgery service. If it is a medical problem, we direct them to the medical unit. We also conduct exams such as lab tests or radiography and other diagnosis before we treat the patient,” Commissioner Dr Ekitti said. 

She added that their goal is to “provide the best care possible and continually improve the healthcare of all our patients". 

The Psychological and Psychiatric Care Unit was highlighted as one of the facility's key departments. Commissioner Dr Ekitti mentioned that the Delegate General of National Security, DGSN, Martin Mbarga Nguele, through the unit, is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of police officers. 

One of the officials in charge of the unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Messi Dominique, who is a clinical psychologist, shared that they receive a variety of cases like a police officer who has witnessed an accident or was involved in a terrorist attack or faced dead. 

Most of the cases, he said, involved traumatic experiences, post-traumatic stress, and depression.

The Police Medical Centre in Yaounde, established over 30 years ago, has played a significant role in providing healthcare services to police officers and civilians. The facility is highly regarded and well-equipped to cater to diverse patient needs.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3447 of Tuesday May 13, 2025