CBC Health Services Unveils Plans for New Theatre, Surgical Ward at Finkwi Baptist Health Center
Babungo, May 25, 2024 – CBC Health Services unveiled a comprehensive building plan for a theatre and surgical ward at the Finkwi Baptist Health Center during a ceremony at the health center in Babungo. Presided over by Chief of Center (COC), Mr. Munang Innocent, the event highlighted the collaborative efforts of various Cultural and Development Associations in raising funds for this significant infrastructure project. The COC extended gratitude to all stakeholders and the general public for coming out to support such brilliant initiative.
The Finkwi Cultural and Development Association requested for funding the special building plan, which was designed and presented by the CBC Health Services’ Technical Services Department (TSD) team from the Central Administration in Bamenda and Mbingo, led by the Civil Engineer, Mr. Temukum Courage Apeh. CBC Health Services will supervise the project, with communities mobilizing funds through their cultural organizations. This project exemplifies the strong partnership between CBC Health Services and the local community, aiming at enhancing healthcare services to all in need.
The proposed facility will be built adjacent to the existing Outpatient Department (OPD) block, covering an area of 610.63 square meters. It will include two main sections: a Theatre Block and a 12-bed Surgical Ward. The project, estimated to cost 108 million CFA francs, also encompasses the construction of a doctor’s residence. This expansion is expected to significantly improve the healthcare services at the Finkwi Health Center, offering the community more comprehensive and advanced medical care.
The Theatre Block will feature:
– Two operating rooms
– Non-sterile and sterile supplies rooms
– Recovery room
– Staff room
– Doctor’s office
– Sluice room
– Two changing rooms
– Two staff toilets
– Housekeeper’s room
The Surgical Ward will include:
– 12-bed open ward
– Autoclaving room
– Nurses station
– Two caregivers’ stores
– Utility/Sluice room
– Staff toilet
– Sanitary area with four compartments
Connecting verandas and internal corridors will link the two sections.
The ceremony, which featured several speeches, underscored two primary messages: the necessity of a permanent medical doctor at the Finkwi Baptist Health Center and the community’s readiness to collaborate with CBC Health Services to enhance healthcare in Babungo. Mr. Tita Nswi Mbowoh, Chairman of the Babungo Traditional Council and personal representative of the Fon of Babungo hailed the partnership as “A reciprocal generosity”. He expressed the community’s desire for the Finkwi Baptist Health Center to be upgraded to a hospital, on par with larger facilities like Mbingo and Banso Baptist Hospitals.
Key attendees included: Mr. Tita Sinjong, Quarter Head for Finkwi, Mr. Sinjoh David, National Secretary General of Vengo Mbe Ndee Cultural and Development Association (VEMNCUDA), and Pastor Kausi Gabe Zacharia, Community Health Worker and Chair of the Finkwi Baptist Health Center Health Committe, among others. Notably, VEMNCUDA serves as Babungo’s overarching development organization.
Background of Finkwi Baptist Health Center
The Finkwi Baptist Health Center, a testament to community initiative and collaboration, has been serving the Babungo community since 2005. Initially, the Finkwi community invited CBC Health Services to utilize buildings they had constructed for healthcare purposes. On April 10, 2006, the health center was officially recognized by a ministerial decision, marking the beginning of its formal operations.
Over the past 18 years, the Finkwi Baptist Health Center has provided healthcare services to over 180,000 patients. During this period, the infrastructure has seen significant renovations, restructuring, and several extensions to accommodate the growing needs of the community. Currently, a new maternity block is in its final construction phase, reflecting the continuous development efforts at the center.
Despite these advancements, the center’s facilities remain inadequate for the comprehensive care potential it possesses. Last year alone, without a dedicated theatre, the center’s visiting doctors and staff conducted over 300 minor surgeries, with many patients needing referrals to other facilities due to space constraints. The center’s current bed capacity is only 22, underscoring the critical need for the new surgical ward.
Staffing has grown significantly, from an initial team of four to a robust group of 55 healthcare professionals today. The proposed doctor’s residence will be a pivotal addition, ensuring prompt responses during emergencies and improving overall care quality. The construction of the theatre and surgical ward is not just an infrastructure upgrade but a crucial step towards providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare to the Finkwi community and beyond. This project embodies the community’s commitment to enhancing local healthcare services and ensuring better health outcomes for all residents.