By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
It was on May 4 2017 at the Buea council hall for the first phase and at the construction site where the minister of Public health, André Mama Fouda chaired the launch as well as laid the foundation stone for the construction work of the Buea University reference centre hospital in Buea.
In a meeting that was attended by the governor of the South West region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, The senior divisional officer for Fako Zang III, Buea DO, Kouam Wokam Paul, the mayor, Ekema Patrick Esunge and some medical personnel, the minister gave way for the open projection of the construction plan. The Buea University centre hospital will provide services that include: Obstetrics, cardiology, neurology, dentistry, CD Digitization, delivery rooms, medical and surgical hospitalization, intensive care units etc. Designed to eradicate or reduce mortality and medical evacuation to Yaoundé, the new hospital will be built in Muea, Buea.
Speaking to The SUN, André Mama Fouda said “Today is a great day for the South West region because we have officially launched the construction of the University teaching hospital in Buea. This hospital will cost Fcfa 18 billion for the infrastructure and equipment and will take 18 months for the realization of the project. It is very important for our country to have a reference hospital in the headquarters of each region because it has been designated by the head of state, his Excellency Paul Biya. It will be a modern hospital and will have modern facilities and together we all shall follow the progression of this wonderful project. So I hereby call on all to put in all efforts to make this project a success. The hospital will go a long way to reduce mortality in the region.”
According to the general manager of the contracting company, El Anbri Saoudi, they are all ready to meet the expectations and deliver the highly anticipated project to improve healthcare. During a round table discussion held at the construction site, headed by the minister and his entourage and the stakeholders of Alliance Construction Cameroon, the minister sought to find out the level of preparations for the project. Concerns were brought forward by the governor of the South West region for a more collaborative and cooperative atmosphere to be instituted between the company and the government.
Talking briefly to the mayor of the Buea municipality, Ekema Patrick Esunge, he mentioned the efforts of his institution in providing basic necessities for the hospital as well as emergency cases. He equally appreciated the wonderful initiative of the contracting company in coming up with the construction of the University reference centre hospital.
Though it will be difficult for the company “Alliances Construction Cameroon”, to deliver the site in 18 months as planned, the minister initiated the government’s action to collectively support the project so that the site could be delivered within the prescribed time.