The personnel of Jamot Yaounde, a health center in Cameroon, have embarked on a strike, demanding enhanced service quality. They highlight the urgent need for contract regularization, improved facilities such as toilets, advanced medical equipment, imaging services, and access to clean water. An interview with one worker reveals the potential risks patients face due to inadequate medical care, urging them to seek alternative clinics. Despite a Zoom meeting with Minister of Public Health Manaouda Malachie, the workers feel their concerns remain unaddressed.As tensions escalate, the workers have taken a bold stance, stating that unless their concerns are adequately addressed, they will take measures to remove the general manager from their midst.
Personnel of jamot hospital holding placards,seated infront of the hospital in Yaounde.
Critical Shortcomings in Facilities and Services.
The striking workers have underscored several pressing issues that need urgent attention. Foremost among their demands is the regularization of contracts for the 27,000 personnel working at the hospital. The lack of proper toilet facilities and a well-equipped technical platform, including imaging services, have also been cited as major concerns. Furthermore, access to clean water within the hospital premises has become a pressing issue that requires immediate resolution.
In an interview with one of the striking workers, the gravity of the situation becomes evident. The worker expressed a dire warning, urging individuals to seek medical care for their children elsewhere, rather than risking inadequate treatment at Jamot Yaounde Hospital. According to her, all the medical equipment at the hospital is out of order, leaving patients without access to critical and lifesaving procedures. This dire state of affairs threatens the well-being and lives of those seeking medical assistance at the facility.
Minister of Public Health Manaouda Malachie’s Inaction.
Despite the workers’ plea for assistance, Minister of Public Health Manaouda Malachie’s actions thus far have failed to provide a satisfactory resolution. A Zoom meeting between the minister and the striking workers did take place, but the personnel feel that no concrete steps have been taken to address their concerns. The lack of progress in resolving the issues at Jamot Yaounde Hospital has left the workers disillusioned and reinforces their determination to see tangible improvements.
The strike by the personnel at Jamot Yaounde Hospital serves as a powerful call for action to enhance the quality of healthcare services in Cameroon. Urgent measures are needed to address the demands for contract regularization, improved facilities, and access to functional medical equipment. Failure to meet these needs not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of the workers but also puts patients at significant risk. The authorities must take immediate and decisive action to ensure the provision of quality medical care in the region.