Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
One of the high points of the traditional speech by the President was the announcement of the intention to recruit 9,944 health workers within the next five years. The president said the move would address the challenges brought about by inadequate health staffing, especially in underserved areas, and provide jobs for young graduates in the health sector. President Biya insisted this measure would “reduce unemployment among young health sector graduates” and go a long way to improve conditions for patients.
The President acknowledged the existing gaps in healthcare delivery and said his administration was determined to improve them. “We are determined to improve health care delivery throughout the country to meet the needs of our population,” he said. This statement demonstrates the intent of the government to prioritize access to and quality of health among its top agendas of development.
In terms of infrastructural and resource allocation meant for the health system, from what the president said, one could tell that resources have been mobilized to enhance health care facilities. Besides, increased governance should be ensured for certain resource distribution: “We must ensure good governance in every sector to meet our development objectives.”
A Step Towards Progress
These measures, if effectively implemented, could mark a significant turning point for Cameroon’s healthcare system, which has struggled with inefficiencies over the years, as the country enters 2025. The recruitment drive and resource allocation signal a government ready to take actionable steps toward resolving long-standing challenges in the sector.
But every year, in his New Year address, the President comes up with grand promises of bringing in positive change. Yet, as months go by, tangible progress remains behind expectations. And this is what has created skepticism among citizens.
The very latest of such moves, by Paul Biya’s administration, means that all Cameroonians can do is hope that, come 2025, the words in this year’s address will indeed be bold enough to materialize into activity and real change in the health sector.
