The medical laboratory profession in Cameroon has evolved significantly over the years, with notable changes in the composition of diagnostic laboratory personnel. In light of this transformation, a revision of the 1990 decree governing private laboratories is underway to better regulate the actors in this profession. This article highlights the key points of the discussions surrounding this revision, the proposals made by various stakeholders, and the implications for the public health sector in Cameroon.
The Evolution of the Medical Laboratory Profession
Private diagnostic laboratories have existed in Cameroon for over 34 years. The initial decree regulating this profession was promulgated in 1990, a time when several categories of personnel, including pharmacists, biologists, laboratory technicians, laboratory assistants, and even English-speaking professionals with degrees obtained from Nigerian universities, worked in laboratories.
In 2001, a decree (Decree 2001-145 of July 8, 2001) introduced a special status for public health personnel, including medical biologists, pharmacists, and medical-health technicians, classifying them into different categories within the public service: medical-health engineers (category A), medical-health technicians (category B), and medical-health technical agents (category C).
The Need for a Revision
With the development of the profession and the inclusion of various categories of personnel in diagnostic laboratories, it has become essential to revise the 1990 decree. The central role of laboratories in screening, diagnosis, and patient follow-up requires clear and updated regulations. This revision will not only provide a precise place for each actor in the field of medical biology but will also ensure that laboratories comply with current legislation.
The revision is also necessary to enable the Ministry of Public Health, which is the technical oversight body of the profession, to effectively fulfill its regulatory role.
Key Stakeholders Involved
Several stakeholders have been involved in this revision process, including the Ministry of Public Health, laboratory managers, relevant professional orders, the Faculty of Medicine, and certain private universities. A first consultation meeting was held on May 8, bringing together all these actors to initiate the process.
The proposals made during this meeting were sent to the various stakeholders, including the Cameroonian Society of Clinical Biology (SCBC), the Cameroon Association of Medical Laboratory Sciences (CAMELS), ASCATED, ASCABION, and the National Public Health Laboratory (LNSP). These proposals were then compiled into a draft decree that incorporates the standards and organization of laboratories.
Key Proposals
During the consultation meeting on September 11, specific proposals were discussed regarding the qualification of the technical director of an analysis laboratory. According to the current decree, only individuals holding certain diplomas, such as the Certificate of Specialized Studies (CES) in applied immunology, hematology, parasitology, medical biochemistry, and other related disciplines, are eligible for this position. The proposals made include:
CAMELS: Maintain the "fellow" qualification and include holders of doctorates (PhDs) in clinical biology. They also proposed the creation of new medical biologist positions.
ASCATED: Include engineers and biologist technicians in the qualification for technical directors.
SCBC: Require that technical directors be either doctors or biologist pharmacists.
LNSP: Limit the position to pharmacists or doctors registered with the relevant professional order, with specialized degrees in medical biology.
Additionally, a proposal was made to categorize the technical director position according to the level of the laboratory, ranging from level 2 (reserved for private laboratories) to levels 3 and 4, where only doctors, biologist pharmacists, and holders of specialized PhDs would be eligible to serve as technical directors.
The Role of Individuals and Professional Orders
Another important point of the revision concerns the opening and operation of analysis laboratories by individuals. For the union, this should be regulated by professional orders (the order of doctors for physicians, the order of pharmacists for pharmacists), in order to involve these bodies in the regulation of the medical biology profession.
The DPML, on the other hand, proposes that technical directors, whether doctors or biologist pharmacists, must obtain a license to practice in private clinics. As for holders of master's degrees or PhDs in clinical biology, they should be registered with a professional order or a medical biology association recognized by the Ministry of Public Health.
In conclusion, the revision of the 1990 decree is crucial for the development and regulation of the medical labvoratory profession in Cameroon. It will clarify the qualifications of the various actors involved in analysis laboratories, ensure that laboratories comply with current standards, and provide better organization for medical activities. Ongoing consultations demonstrate a common commitment among all stakeholders to further professionalize this key sector of public health.
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