Public health minister sends out warning to clandestine health centres

The Minister of public health, Manaouda Malachie has noted in a press release that illegal health centers and other clandestine health facilities are gaining grounds in Cameroon. This observation was made after competent technical services of his ministry went to the field in the major urban centers of the country.

He notes in the press release that the prevalence of such structures can seriously compromise the health of the the population. One of the most affected groups are pregnant women who tend to go these places first and in cases of severe complications, referrals are generally made when it is too late.

The public health boss reminds the promoters and accomplices of the said centers that health workers need to be approved by competent and legal schools and the creation of a private health facility is subject to governemnt approval and they are governed by legislative and regulatory texts after observation of the strict respect of the ethics of the profession.

He stresses on the fact that the illegal practice of medicine constitutes an offense punishable by law. Similarly, dangerous medical practices and the illicit distribution of pharmaceutical products constitute a danger to the lives of others and is considered a penal offence.

Minister Malachie in the release goes further to warn the population against the use of such centers whose practices contribute to increasing maternal mortality and the number of hemodialysis patients in health facilities.

In this regard, he announces a vast campaign to clean up the health sector throughout the national territory in the coming days.

The toll free number 1506 as well as 694671562 have been given by the public health ministry to the population so they can report the existence of such structures in their communities.