By Njoh Linda
In Cameroon, the story of Eponibog Marie-Ange has become a troubling symbol of alleged administrative negligence and the struggle of accident victims to access proper medical care.
For more than a year, the young woman says she has been battling for survival after being involved in a road accident caused by a vehicle belonging to CAMTEL, Cameroons Telecommunications.
Today, she claims she is still waiting for full medical support and compensation, as her health continues to deteriorate.
The Day Everything Changed in Yaounde
On 21 February 2024, Marie-Ange was moving through the streets of Yaounde when a vehicle reportedly driven by CAMTEL agents seriously injured her in an accident.
Since then, she says her life has been marked by fear and uncertainty.
“Every night, I go to bed wondering if I will wake up the next morning,” she said.
A Year of Promises, Delays by CAMTEL
Following the accident, CAMTEL reportedly issued Marie-Ange a medical coverage note intended to facilitate her treatment in hospitals.
However, her family soon realized that the document did not cover essential medicines, medical equipment, or several critical examinations.
According to them, hospital authorities asked them to advance the costs, with assurances that they would later be reimbursed.
Trusting the process, the family paid.
Today, they say the accumulated expenses exceed 1.5 million francs CFA, an amount that has not yet been refunded.
Between CAMTEL and NSIA: A Lingering Dispute
In search of answers, Marie-Ange has repeatedly visited the offices of CAMTEL’s insurer, NSIA Assurances.
There, she was reportedly told that the delay was due to missing documents from CAMTEL, which were necessary to process her file. She was also asked to submit additional paperwork, which she says she did. Despite this, she claims there has been no progress.
“The silence has been unbearable,” she said.
Worsening Health Condition
As the administrative dispute drags on, Marie-Ange’s health has reportedly declined.
She says she now suffers from severe and recurring bleeding.
“The bleeding has become more serious. I bleed from my ears, my nose, my eyes, and even my mouth. I am exhausted, physically and mentally,” she explained.
Medical observers say such symptoms are alarming and require urgent and consistent medical attention.
Missed Appointments and Broken Promises
According to Marie-Ange, she has been given numerous appointment dates and reassurances over the past year, none of which have produced concrete results.
“They kept giving me false hopes and empty promises. I waited patiently, but nothing changed,” she said.
Recently, she was informed that she might be issued another medical coverage note, a move she considers insufficient given the scale of her medical needs and financial burden.
“Is CAMTEL Waiting for Me to Die?”
Frustrated and weakened, Marie-Ange has publicly questioned the company’s commitment to her case.
“Where will I find the money to keep paying hospital bills? Why should I suffer and go into debt when I am the victim?” she asked.
In a statement that reflects her despair, she added: “Is CAMTEL waiting for me to die before acting?”
Demand for Rights, Not Charity
Marie-Ange insists that she is not seeking sympathy or donations. Instead, she is demanding what she considers her legal right: reimbursement of medical expenses and fair compensation. She says she wants to access proper healthcare and rebuild her life.
“I am asking for justice, not charity,” she said.
Anticipating possible denials, Marie-Ange says she possesses all documents related to the accident and her medical care.
“I have all the evidence,” she maintains.
She also notes that insurance companies do not issue coverage notes without valid claims, emphasizing that she is not insured by NSIA personally, yet a coverage document was issued because an accident involving CAMTEL did occur.