Health personnel and students affiliated to various health sector unions marched to the Ministry of Public Health on Monday in a move to express gratitude to the Head of State, Paul Biya for announcing that 9,944 health workers will be recruited in the next five years to strengthen the public healthcare sector in the country
The procession which took place in tight lines and ambiance atmosphere, began at the Yaounde Central Hospital and ended at the esplanade of the Ministry of Public Health.The participants were equipped with placards and a large banner all conveying the same heartfelt message: “Thank you the President of the Republic for recruiting 9,944 health workers.”
This gesture, according to experts, reflects the deep gratitude of the health workers who have been recruited and the recognition of the efforts made by the government to strengthen the health sector. The President of the National Syndicate of Medical Health Personnel, Balla Balla in an interview shortly after the march, described the move by the Head of State as a special initiative that will go a long way in changing the face of the healthcare sector in the country.
“We sincerely thank the President of the Republic for this initiative that will strengthens our capacities to better serve the people.” The Ministry of Public Health coordinated by Minister Dr. Manaouda Malachie in a post on the ministry’s official Facebook page said the recruitment is a testament to the commitment of the government to ensure adequate staffing and quality healthcare services for the population.
“For the medical body, this announcement translates the desire of the Head of State to consolidate the gains of the sector and better respond to the challenges posed by the growing demand for quality health services,” a section of the post stated.“With this announcement, hope is reborn among thousands of young health school graduates and personnel seeking career stability. A step that experts say will help close the staffing shortage and improve accessibility of care in the most remote areas of the country,” it added.
Other experts interviewed said the health workers’ massive expression of gratitude to underscores the importance of the health sector in the country and the vital role that the president and the government are playing in supporting and developing the critical area. They said it also serves as an early acknowledgment of the positive impact that the new recruits will have on the healthcare system and the communities they will serve and an overall tribute to the President Biya.
