Inauguration of the Emergency Center at Bamenda Regional Hospital
The Governor of the North West Region has officially inaugurated the newly constructed emergency center at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, marking a significant advancement in health care for the local population.
A Lifesaver for the Community
Construction of the emergency center began in 2023, and its completion has been hailed as a lifesaver for the North West Region and its surrounding areas.
Dr. Nsame Denis, Director of the Bamenda Regional Hospital, highlighted the center's crucial role in enhancing health services during the inauguration on October 11, 2025.
Key Improvements
Dr. Nsame provided an overview of the advancements facilitated by the new facility:
-Dialysis Center Expansion: The Dialysis Center has been extended to accommodate 19 machines, allowing for the recruitment of more patients. Currently, the patient cohort stands at 140, significantly improving the region's renal care.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Renovation: The ICU has been renovated and expanded from 6 to 10 beds, leading to a notable reduction in mortality rates among critically ill patients.
- Medical Gas Filling Station: A new oxygen filling station has been constructed to meet the increasing demand for medical gases.
- Advanced Diagnostic Equipment: The hospital has introduced a Mammography unit, a Dental Panoramic X-ray, and a state-of-the-art Siemens 16-slice CT-Scan machine, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for appropriate therapy.
Modern Emergency Center: The centerpiece of the inauguration is the gigantic and modern Emergency Center, designed to address the urgent health needs of the community.
Notably, 48 distress patients were given assistance during the inauguration, demonstrating the center's timely impact.
Equipment Consignment: A consignment of essential medical equipment was also handed over to the center, further enhancing its operational capacity.
Hospital Performance Analysis
From 2020 to 2025, the hospital has seen a rise in most performance indicators. However, the previous emergency unit faced significant challenges, particularly during the sociopolitical crisis in the region. Statistics revealed that only about 50% of severe gunshot cases survived critical care in the old 6-bed casualty unit. The new Emergency Center is a direct response to these challenges, funded through the Regional Assembly as part of the decentralization policy initiated by President Paul Biya.
What is an Emergency Center?
The Emergency Center serves as a critical unit within the hospital, addressing various health emergencies including medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetric emergencies, and mass-casualty incidents such as bomb blasts and accidents. The center is a G+1 structure with a capacity for 25 to 30 observation beds.
Facility Layout
*Ground Floor:*
- Reception/Triage Area
- Ambulance Unit
- Pharmacy
- Almoner
- Imaging Unit (X-ray, Ultrasound)
- Major and Minor Theatres
- Burn Center
- Doctors' Consultation Offices
- Observation Room
- Recovery Room
- Waiting Area for Carers
- Security Post
*First Floor:*
- Laboratory Unit
- Blood Bank
- Pediatric Emergency Observation Room
- Obstetric Emergency Room
- Paramedical Staff Changing Room
- Doctors' Call Room
A Vision for the Future
Prof. Fru Angwafo III, President of the Regional Assembly and Management Board of the Bamenda Regional Hospital, emphasized the significance of the Emergency Center during his speech:
"The Emergency Center is not just a building; it is a lifeline a symbol of renewed hope, better health systems, and a government that listens and acts."
He reaffirmed loyalty to President Biya and expressed a collective resolve to transform the North West Region into a model of peace, productivity, and progress within a unified Cameroon.
By Bamenjo Petronilla