By Ngunyi Sonita Nwohtazie
FONTEM, PAV – At the Mary Health of Africa Hospital in Fontem, Lebialem Division of Cameroon’s South West Region, the hum of restored electricity has become more than just a sound; it is a symbol of renewed hope for both patients and medical staff.
For years, the hospital struggled with a breakdown in its power system, forcing the institution to rely heavily on generators and bush lambs to run essential services, greatly exacerbated by the socio-political crisis in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. The situation slowed down medical operations, increased costs, and often left patients waiting for critical diagnostic procedures.
Today, however, the return of hydroelectric power has significantly transformed the hospital’s daily operations, restoring efficiency to medical services and strengthening the impact of the ongoing community health campaign supported by LECUDO-USA and its partners.
Electricity Restores Efficiency in Medical Services
According to the Director of the hospital, Dr Njinkeng Eric, reliable electricity is one of the most critical resources for any health institution. “Electricity is a very important asset in a health institution like ours,” he explained. “Over the past few years, when our power station broke down, we suffered a lot. We had to rely on generators whenever it was necessary.”
Operating on generators, he noted, created numerous challenges. “When you depend on generators, things do not move as normally as when there is hydroelectric power. We spend a lot of money on fuel and repairs. At times, patients had to wait until we had enough cases before we could turn on the generator because of the cost.”
With electricity now restored, the hospital’s diagnostic services have significantly improved. “Now that electricity is back, it is facilitating many things we do. We can perform X-rays, ultrasound scans and laboratory tests without patients having to wait. It is helping a lot,” the hospital director said.
He added that while the hospital continues to refer patients for some specialised laboratory investigations, routine medical care is now running smoothly.
Doctors Witness Surge in Patients During Campaign
The health campaign from LECUDO-USA and partners has further increased activity within the hospital, drawing large numbers of patients from across the division.
Dr Kenfua Samuel, a resident medical doctor at the hospital, described the campaign as both impactful and demanding. “So far, the campaign has been going on well,” he said. “However, one of the challenges has been the number of patients we have been consulting. Yesterday alone, I personally consulted more than 85 patients, and I still had to continue with the rest today.”
Despite the heavy workload, Dr Kenfua expressed deep appreciation to the organisations and volunteers behind the initiative. “I would like to sincerely appreciate LECUDO-USA, the Focoalare Movement, Life Bridge International and all the partners who have worked hand in glove to make this health campaign possible,” he said.
The campaign, which has now been running for five years, has become a major source of medical relief for many residents who struggle to afford healthcare services.
Diagnostic Services Strengthened by Power Supply
For the hospital’s imaging department, the return of electricity has been particularly significant. Amambo Desmond, an imaging technician who works as both a sonographer and radiographer at the hospital, says the improved working conditions have greatly enhanced diagnostic services.
“Since I arrived here, the working conditions have been favourable,” he noted. “The campaign itself is something remarkable. In my eight years of working experience, I have seen medical campaigns before, but not of this magnitude.”
He explained that the campaign has revealed the hidden healthcare needs of the community. “It shows that the population is there and that many people are sick, but they simply do not have the financial means to seek treatment,” he said.
Desmond also noted that many patients are eager to undergo diagnostic examinations such as ultrasound scans and X-rays. “You see that people themselves request these examinations because they know they need a proper diagnosis to understand what is wrong with them,” he added.
A Call for Further Support
While the hospital continues to expand its services, its management says additional support would further strengthen healthcare delivery. According to the director, the hospital still needs key medical equipment such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to monitor heart activity, as well as broader institutional support to improve services.
Despite these needs, hospital officials say the current health campaign is already making a visible difference. “We are very grateful to all those who have contributed in one way or another to make this campaign a success, from LECUDO-USA and the volunteers to the media who are helping the world know what is happening here,” Jenkins said.
With electricity restored and the health campaign in full swing, Mary Health of Africa Hospital is once again operating at the heart of community healthcare in Lebialem.
