The exercise is expected to address unemployment headache faced by youth and also boost the highly-understaffed healthcare sector.
On December 31 last year, the Head of State, Paul Biya announced a substantial recruitment initiative aimed at strengthening the healthcare system with the addition of 9,944 health care personnel in a bid to address existing staffing challenges within the sector. In his Youth Day address to youth last Monday, the president confirmed that the recruitment exercise will be launched in the weeks ahead. “In the coming weeks, the contractualization of health workers that I announced at the end of last year will be launched,” Biya said, stating that the initiative will spare thousands of young health sector graduates from social insecurity and improve their living.
Per officials, the declaration from the Head of State announcing the imminent start of the recruitment process leaves room for optimism, laying groundworks for crucial changes in the sector as the recruitment exercise targets various positions within the healthcare system, such as doctors, nurses and support staff. “It will be a dream come true even if we are not among the recruited some healthcare interns testify,” the association of healthcare practitioners in the country had earlier stated early this year when Biya first made the announcement. The group had acknowledged the urgent need for more healthcare professionals to alleviate the strain on local hospitals. The group recognized that the recruitment could lead to improved patient care and enhanced services across various medical fields.
Project in line with government priority targets
The government has emphasized that this recruitment drive is essential for meeting the healthcare needs of the population, particularly in rural and underserved areas. By increasing the number of qualified personnel, the government aims to improve overall healthcare access and efficiency as outlined in government priority projects. As preparations for the recruitment process progress, officials are expected to outline specific criteria and procedures for applicants. The announcement has generated interest among potential candidates who are eager to contribute to the healthcare sector in Cameroon. The initiative address workforce shortages in healthcare sectors and reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of a robust medical workforce in ensuring public health and well-being, according to observers.
