Cameroon’s PM talking at the inaugural ceremony
Prime Minister and Head of Government, H.E. Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, inaugurated the Bafoussam Regional Hospital Center on Saturday, December 11, 2021. The ceremony took place at the hospital’s esplanade, in the presence of the Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine, government ministers, representatives of diplomatic missions, local authorities, and other dignitaries who gathered to witness the opening of this ultramodern health facility.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the people of the West Region and local authorities for warmly welcoming his delegation. He explained that the Bafoussam Regional Hospital Center, which was the focus of the event, was built as part of the three-year emergency plan aimed at accelerating economic growth in the country.
“When the President of the Republic, H.E. Paul Biya, decided to implement this large-scale investment program in priority sectors, two key objectives were set: first, to strengthen the national economy’s performance, and second, to improve the living conditions of the Cameroonian population,” said the Prime Minister, emphasizing the hospital’s role in delivering better healthcare to Cameroonians.
He further noted that similar hospital centers are being constructed in different regions of the country, with the exception of the North West and South West Hospital Centers, whose completion has been delayed due to security challenges in those regions. According to the Prime Minister, the hospital centers in Bertoua, Ngaoundéré, Garoua, and Maroua will soon be operational, while the Ebolowa Hospital Center was recently inaugurated.
Chief Dr. Dion Ngute highlighted that these health facilities will significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates in Cameroon.
The presentation of the Bafoussam Hospital Center, whose foundation was laid by the Public Health Minister on March 7, 2021, was delivered by Dr. Passang Ouassou, General Manager of the hospital. He provided an overview of the infrastructure and equipment in use at the facility.
“The infrastructure you see today covers 4,800 square meters and includes 14 buildings that house both hospital and technical services, as well as four annexes with a current capacity of 120 beds. It is located just a stone’s throw from the Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium, the main site of Pool B for CAN TOTAL ENERGY CAMEROON 2021,” Dr. Passang Ouassou explained.
view of some advanced medical equipment in the Bafoussam Hospital Center
He added, “In just under a month since some technical activities began, we’ve already seen great enthusiasm, with 315 consultations, 650 laboratory tests, and 98 medical imaging exams completed. There is no doubt that with today’s official opening, the hospital’s activities will expand even further.”
Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, described the facility as a source of pride for all Cameroonians, stating that with hospital centers being constructed across the country, people will now have access to healthcare in their respective regions.
Minister of Housing, Celestine Ketcha, also expressed her gratitude to the Head of State for providing the West Region with such a facility, which will offer the local population improved access to healthcare.
“Now, less than 45 minutes from Bafoussam, my family and the local population will no longer need to travel far for medical care. All I can say to the Head of State is: Thank you for this hospital,” she said.
El Anbri, Director General of Alliance Construction Cameroon, the company responsible for executing the project, explained that construction was slightly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The project was initially set to be completed in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. We finally delivered the project in August 2021. Over the past four years, we have completed 11 projects, including the Douala Hospital and the Yaoundé General Hospital,” said the Director General, whose company was also responsible for building and equipping other hospital centers.
It is worth noting that Alliance Construction Cameroon built and equipped the Bafoussam Hospital Center, which now stands as a state-of-the-art healthcare facility in the West Region.
The excitement and gratitude of the local population were evident, as they expressed their appreciation to the government for providing such a modern health facility.