“I also call on those who have tested positive to strictly adhere to the rules of confinement”. These were the words of President Paul Biya on May 19, 2020, eve of Cameroon’s national day.
Simple as the words may sound, putting them into practice is proving harder than it seems. In Mamfe in the South West region, concerns have been raised over the way COVID-19 patients are being handled with emphasis placed on sick medical staff.
A health worker who contracted the virus tells MMI his case and those of other health workers that have contracted the virus are not receiving as much attention as they should. Isolated at home, he says getting access to basic supplies is a daunting task.
“We have been kept on isolation with no appropriate treatment for us… I barely eat through this time as there is no one to buy me food,” he says.
After making numerous calls to get the situation rectified, he says they keep asking him to be calm. With the transfer of all COVID-19 patients to the district hospital which is farther away, he is almost losing hope of getting help.
“I am getting worried about my colleagues and the entire health system in the country!!” He adds.
The health worker’s complaint regarding the treatment of COVID-19 patients is not the first. Weeks back, there was widespread criticism of the health system after social media reports showed a suspected COVID-19 patient being led to hospital on foot due to the lack of transportation facilities. Coupled with the ever increasing numbers, many fear the country may be heading for a cliff.
President Biya had a different view on May 19.”…Despite the increase in the number of people tested positive for the coronavirus, the situation can be brought under control,” he said.
For this to become a reality however, many believe more has to be done especially for health personnel.
Mimi Mefo Info
