“He who stops learning, stops practicing”. This was the catch phrase from the Director of CBC Health Services Mr. Ngum Samuel during the graduation ceremony for Anaesthesia Assistants and Screeners.

The graduation of these groups of professionals took place on October 23, 2024 at the Chapel of the Nkwen Baptist Hospital.

The Course Coordinator of the Anaesthesia Assistants Course Mr. Mbah John indicated that all 14 students graduating from this one-year intensive course recorded great success. He advised them to use the certificate received beyond the scope of the school syllabus and societal norms and to remember that they would be respected for what they do after obtaining their certificates. As workers in whose hands, patients entrust their lives, he encouraged them to put into practice all what they learned to ensure proper patient care. As Anaesthetists he added they should always go to the theatre mentally, physically, and emotionally ready for work. He used the occasion to thank the former and new Directors of the CBC Health Services for their valuable contributions to ensure that the twin trainings go hitch free. He challenged the students with  humility, firmness and dedication in all service delivery.

The Course Coordinator for the screeners course Mr. Yosimbi Promise, took everyone down memory lane on the origins of the screeners course paying allegiance to Dr Julie Stone who built the syllabus for the course before she later handed the course coordination later to Mr. Takwe Boniface. To Doctor Julie, Dr Jam Divine and other people who worked relentlessly to supervise the training to its successful end, he reassured them of its efficacy and the trust in the student to implement what they studied. The training of screeners within the CBC Health services dates back to many years and has evolved from 8 weeks to more than 6 months. He acknowledged the change in trends and diseases, and confirmed that the screeners fitted in so well. To the litany of virtues already prescribed for the graduates, he added commitment, kindness and patience.

When the Director of CBC Health Services Mr. Ngum Samuel took the rostrum, he pushed home key messages to the Anaesthesia Assistants and the Screeners. “He who stops learning, stops practicing; Ensure quality healthcare to all”; Bring the needed added value”. Etc. The Director gave them a charge to practice safe, affordable, and accessible healthcare to all and to respect the Vision of the institution “Quality Healthcare to All”. Making reference to Universal Health Coverage and the strides made by the CBC Health Services to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, he revealed that it is the institution’s strategy and policy in developing its health workforce.

The CBC Health Services invested in training these staff and expectations from the Director are that “To whom much is invested, much is expected”. He cautioned the new graduates against parallel practice a phenomenon that is sometimes common with medical personnel.

The students start practice happy to have gained knowledge to empower themselves and others; skills to adapt and innovate; friendships to last a lifetime; and memories to cherish forever.