By TALLA AGHAA CHRISTOPHER
The government of Cameroon, through the Minister of Public Health Dr. Manaouda Malachie recently signed a FCFA 650 million agreement for the reconstruction of Kumba hospital. This announcement made recently by the Minister of Public Health was received with much jubilation by the population of Kumba, chief town of Meme Division in the South West Region of Cameroon. The reconstruction deal occurs about 8 months after the health institution was razed by an arson attack on February 11, 2019 with accusing fingers pointing at separatist fighters. During the attack, two sick persons were burnt to death while the pro-independent fighters killed two other unidentified people. According to official figures, many people were injured and nurses kidnapped. The material damages were estimated at hundreds of millions of FCFA most especially as many wards and technical rooms were razed to the ground.
According to Ndip Ashu, a commercial bike rider in Kumba, he received the news joyfully though with mixed feelings due to the fact the Anglophone crisis is yet to be settled. However he disclosed that if the Minister’s words are to be trusted, then it’s a good thing for the people of Kumba who have been going through pains following the arson on the hospital in February, 2019.
Ebude Regina is another Kumba denizen who also received the news of the construction with joy. According to her, she went through pains taking her mother to a health facility out of Kumba because of the incident that happened at the Kumba District Hospital. However with the FCFA 650millions granted by the government to rebuild the hospital, she hinted she remains thankful to the authorities for their gesture despite the challenges the country is facing.
It should be recalled that during the visit of the Prime Minister Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute during his peace crusade mission in May, 2019 in Kumba, he visited the hospital and disclosed that he shall do all his best to make sure that the funds are made available for the construction of the hospital that is begging for a Referral status. While commissioning the new Hospital Director, Dr Paul Ngang Enongene on September 26, 2019, and the South West Regional Delegate for Public Health Dr Ebongo Zachs Nanje, it was equally reiterated that the Minister of Public Health is quite aware of the deplorable situation of the Hospital and that as a Man of Action, the Minister is making all efforts to source for funds for the reconstruction of the health facility.