The recognition and regulation of health training programs in Cameroon have become a pressing issue, as highlighted by recent developments. The Ordre des professions médico-sanitaires du Cameroun (OPMS) has voiced concerns about the legitimacy of Higher National Diploma (HND) and Higher Professional Diploma (HPD) programs in health, which are not recognized by the governing body. This situation has created significant uncertainty for students enrolled in private higher education institutions offering these programs.
According to Richard Tchapda, President of the OPMS, Decree 80/198 of 09 June 1980 grants the Ministry of Public Health exclusive rights to train medical and health professionals. This legal framework places many training programs offered by private institutions in jeopardy, as they fall outside the recognized standards set by the decree. The situation is further complicated by the proliferation of BTS in health programs, which are not officially sanctioned by the OPMS.
In a report by Brand Kamga on Nadia TV, the challenges facing students enrolled in these unrecognized programs were brought to light. Tchapda expressed the OPMS's frustration, stating,
We can't accept that children, candidates, should follow training courses that aren't based on the law, and that, at the end of this training, they should be awarded titles that don't correspond to the regulations in force.
This concern is shared by many within the health sector, as it puts the future of thousands of students at risk. The legal implications of these Higher National and Professional Diplomas in healthcare training in Cameroon are enormous.
Despite the concerns raised, private institutions argue that their programs are of high quality and offer better infrastructure than some public alternatives. Cabrel Djankou Nkuissi, executive secretary of the national association of institutions, points out that these schools have seen an influx of students due to the absence of competitive entrance examinations and the perceived superiority of their training programs. However, the debate over legality and the financial implications for these institutions have led to a call for reforms.
HELP Foundation recognizes the need for a balanced approach to this issue. In our previous post, we presented proposed solutions to address these challenges, including:
1. Strengthening Regulatory Oversight: The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, should enhance oversight of health training programs to ensure they meet national standards and legal requirements.
2. Clear Accreditation Processes: Establish a transparent accreditation process for private institutions offering health training programs, ensuring that all programs comply with the legal framework established by Decree 80.
3. Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors: Encourage dialogue and cooperation between public health authorities and private educational institutions to align training programs with national health priorities and workforce needs.
The ongoing debate underscores the importance of regulatory clarity and the need for reforms to protect the future of health professionals in Cameroon. By implementing these solutions, we can ensure that all health training programs are recognized, legally compliant, and of the highest quality, ultimately benefiting both students and the healthcare system.
At HELP Foundation, we remain committed to advocating for these changes and supporting the development of a robust and legally sound health education system in Cameroon.
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