Bamenda Regional Hospital Director Lists Major Struggles During Atanga Nji Visit

 

File Image Of Dr Sama Julius Nkam, Director Of Regional Hospital In Bamenda 

By Raymond Dingana 

The Regional Hospital in Bamenda has highlighted several challenges affecting the smooth running of the health facility, ranging from challenges in treating gunshot injuries to broken dialysis equipment, unpaid medical bills and irregular power supply.

The hospital's Director, Dr. Sama Julius Nkam, highlighted the challenges on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, when the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, visited the facility.

The Director used the visit to give the Minister and other officials, including North West Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique, Mezam Senior Divisional Officer Simon Emile Mooh, mayors, among others, an overview of some of the problems confronting the hospital and affecting patient care.

Gunshot Injuries Add Pressure

Among the issues raised was the number of gunshot-related cases handled by the hospital. According to Dr. Sama Julius, the facility recorded 15 gunshot-related cases in September alone. He cited among them cases involving the Principal of Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Atiela and the CAMPOST Regional Delegate, Dohbit Sama Alfred.

“We have the challenge of treating so many gunshot victims here at the hospital. We received 15 cases in September alone, including the Principal of Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) and the CAMPOST Regional Delegation. We have already received two cases this October, as of October 6,” 

said Dr. Sama.

The Director said the hospital had already recorded two additional gunshot cases as of October 6.

Unpaid Bills Put Hospital Under Strain

Another issue is the difficulty in recovering money owed by some patients after treatment. The Director said some patients are unable to pay their bills, while others deliberately do not want to pay despite having the means to do so.He noted that the situation adds to the financial pressure on the hospital.

Dialysis Services Hit by Equipment Problems

The hospital's haemodialysis centre is also facing equipment-related difficulties. Dr. Sama indicated that a number of dialysis machines were no longer functioning properly and required repairs or replacement. He warned that addressing the problem was crucial for the continued provision of dialysis services to patients.

He however sounded optimistic that the dialysis machines the minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie promised the hospital would soon arrive.

"The Minister of public health has engaged the process for the acquisition of 10 brand new machines which will be available in the days ahead."

He also highlighted that just days back, the Minister of Public Health sent two mother boards which helped to repair 2 machines bringing the number of functional machines from 7 to 9.

Visit Also Brings Assistance

The basketful of challenges was presented during the distribution ceremony of more than 200 complete delivery kits from the Presidential couple, Paul and Chantal Biya, to expectant and nursing mothers at the Regional Hospital in Bamenda.

L-R:NW Governor, Adolph Lele Lafrique and Minister Atanga Nji Paul At The Event 

The kits were handed over by Atanga Nji Paul, who said he had been sent by Paul Biya and his wife, Chantal Biya, and described himself as “just a messenger.”

He explained that the gesture reflected President Paul Biya's love for the women of the North West Region and acknowledged their support and efforts in caring for their families.

Atanga Nji Paul Handing Presidential Gifts 

Before the distribution of the delivery kits, the Minister visited patients admitted to the hospital, with some receiving assistance in cash and in kind.

The visit to the hospital came after the distribution of food and non-food items, including rice, cooking oil, washing soap, buckets and many others, to families affected by the Anglophone armed conflict.