The air buzzed with anticipation on August 10, 2024, as the Director of CBC Health Services (DHS), Mr. Ngum Samuel, embarked on an enlightening official tour of all CBCHS facilities across Cameroon. His first stop was the bustling Nkwen Baptist Hospital, renowned as a beacon of hope in the community.
Upon arrival, Mr. Ngum was warmly welcomed by the Hospital Administrator, Ms Tangwa Faith and a dedicated team of hospital leadership and staff, all eager to showcase the strides they have made. Ms Tangwa expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the honour of being the first facility to host the DHS, vowing to enhance Nkwen Baptist Hospital’s services while wholeheartedly embracing the mission of CBCHS. With a spirited determination, she emphasized that the administration and staff are thoroughly prepared to set aside distractions and laser-focus on the fulfillment of the Director’s inspiring vision.
The spotlight then turned to Dr. Helen Kimbi, the Vice Board Chair of the CBC Health Board, who stepped forward to rally the team. “We are all in this together,” she proclaimed, delivering warm greetings from the Board Chair and fellow members. Dr. Kimbi urged the staff to embrace courage and serve with love, reminding them that the challenges ahead are formidable, but with faith and divine guidance, they can face anything.
In a powerful response, the DHS conveyed warm greetings from the DHS Office, the Executive President (EP), and deputy directors, expressing deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the hospital staff. “Your dedication truly makes a difference,” he said.
He praised Nkwen Hospital’s remarkable transformation, noting its meteoric rise from a modest team to a thriving workforce capable of supporting countless families. This growth, he revealed, can be largely attributed to the innovative Strategy 9 project, which has fortified the hospital’s infrastructure. While acknowledging the financial challenges looming due to significant loans, he assured the staff, “We will tighten our spending and manage our loans effectively. I commend your resilience, especially in the face of salary delays.”
The Director laid a vision for the future, calling for a heightened focus on system strengthening and unwavering stewardship. “Our patients are at the center of our mission,” he reiterated passionately. “We must face tomorrow’s challenges with innovative solutions while consistently providing top-quality health services. Our commitment to our staff and patients is paramount.”
He urged leadership to tackle complaints regarding indiscipline and financial mismanagement proactively, emphasizing the importance of a unified and focused approach. Taking a moment to reflect on the past, he expressed gratitude to the former Director of CBCHS, Prof. Tih Pius, for his four decades of dedicated service that elevated the standards of the hospital.
“To succeed, we must steer clear of distractions, including social media gossip and legal entanglements,” the DHS stated firmly. “We are healthcare providers, and our focus must remain on our patients and the invaluable work we do.” Additionally, he urged the nursing staff to ensure their registration with the nursing council to maintain professional standards.
The visit saw the attendance of influential figures such as the Chiefs of Mamfe and Ashong Baptist Health Centers, and the Field Pastor of Bamenda Field emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the CBCHS community.
The day wrapped up with a guided tour of the hospital and an intimate closed-door meeting with hospital leadership, laying the groundwork for a bright future ahead.
This is not just a visit; it marks the beginning of a transformative journey, one that promises to enhance healthcare delivery and uplift the lives of those in the community. Stay tuned, as the DHS continues his journey across the heart of Cameroon, driving a vision of hope and progress!
