The August 2024 Join ministerial decision by the ministers of Public Health and Higher Education on the suspension on HND students’ registration into private healthcare institutions in Cameroon sent shockwaves throughout the education sector. However, with the Prime Minister’s decision to lift the ban, after a joint inter-ministerial meeting held on November 28, 2024, private institutions resumed registering students. Meh Basil K., promoter and director of STEM, Higher Institute of Health and Technological Sciences in Douala, shares his insights on the future of healthcare education in Cameroon.
“The suspension was a temporary setback, but we’re optimistic about the future,” says Meh Basil K. “The government has implemented new measures to ensure that private institutions provide quality education. Regular supervision and guaranteed internships for students will definitely enhance the learning experience.”
The government’s decision to revise the curriculum is also a step in the right direction. “A standardized education is crucial for producing competent healthcare professionals,” emphasizes Meh Basil K. “We’re committed to providing our students with the best possible education, and we’re confident that the revised curriculum will help us achieve this goal.”
Despite the challenges posed by the suspension, private institutions like STEM are already making strides in healthcare education. “We’re working on innovative projects, such as producing antibacterial liquid detergent,” reveals Meh Basil K. “With government support, we can create more jobs and contribute to the growth of Cameroon’s economy.”
The role of private institutions in healthcare education cannot be overstated. As Meh Basil K. points out, “Private institutions can provide specialized training and education that may not be available in public institutions. We can also offer more flexible programs that cater to the needs of working professionals.”
To further support private education, the government can provide financial assistance, such as grants, to private institutions. Reducing taxes and creating a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship can also help private institutions thrive.
As Cameroon strives to improve its healthcare system, the role of education cannot be ignored. According to a report by Children of Cameroon, education can improve national and individual healthcare in many ways. At an individual level, education can improve awareness and understanding of factors that might damage health. On a national scale, more children and young people in education can result in more trained experts in the healthcare sector.
In conclusion, the future of healthcare education in Cameroon looks promising. With the government’s support and the efforts of private institutions like STEM, Cameroon can produce competent healthcare professionals who can contribute to the growth of the country’s economy. As Meh Basil K. aptly puts it, “The future of healthcare professionals training in private institutions looks bright. We’re committed to providing quality education and contributing to the growth of Cameroon’s economy.
By Betrand Ntumnyuy
