The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Malachie Manaouda, conducted a surprise inspection visit of the Lobo District Medical Center – CMA on April 20, 2026, revealing a facility in a state of total dysfunction.
Upon arrival, the Minister found the head of the center absent and the premises suffering from extreme neglect, described as both unsanitary and dilapidated. The medical activity logs painted a grim picture of a “ghost facility,” recording a mere 17 general consultations and only 3 prenatal visits since the start of the year. This staggering level of inactivity highlights a severe breakdown in the delivery of essential healthcare services to the local population.
Beyond the physical decay of the building, the Minister identified critical failures in the center’s technical and pharmaceutical operations. Although some medical equipment are available, it remains largely unused and is actively deteriorating due to poor maintenance; consequently, Dr. Manaouda ordered the immediate reallocation of certain assets to facilities where they can actually serve patients.
Furthermore, the center’s pharmacy was found to be operating outside of official regulatory channels. This reliance on an illicit drug supply chain raises serious alarms regarding the safety, traceability, and quality of the medications being provided to the community.
The inspection also exposed a complete collapse of organizational discipline among the staff. Despite the provision of an on-site staff residence, most healthcare workers remain based in Yaounde and are rarely present at the facility. In a bizarre twist of mismanagement, the center’s clinical rooms have reportedly been converted into makeshift housing for interns rather than being used for patient care. Dr. Manaouda expressed deep bitterness at the situation, labeling it a “disaster” that undermines the government’s broader efforts to expand healthcare access across the country.
To rectify these grievances, the Minister called for a paradigm shift in local governance, emphasizing that the state cannot manage these facilities in isolation. He urged for a stronger synergy between health personnel and decentralized local authorities, specifically calling on the Mayor to take an active role in the oversight of the center.
As he concluded his visit, Dr. Manaouda promised that swift corrective measures would be implemented to restore the Lobo CMA’s functionality, ensuring that the inhabitants of Lobo finally receive the quality medical attention they deserve.
