Yaoundé — June 1, 2026 — Cameroon is committing 29 billion CFA francs ($51 million) over five years to digitize its hospitals, aiming to make care safer and more accountable after a series of patient deaths and doctor suspensions exposed systemic failures in May.
The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Health, focuses on eight priorities including data interoperability, electronic medical records, traceable prescriptions, and faster emergency care. The ministry’s own review of its 2020–2024 program scored digital maturity at just 1.8 out of 5, revealing reliance on paper files and disconnected hospital systems.
Health official Eugène Sobngwi emphasized that patient safety must be systemic, not about punishing individuals. He cited WHO data showing one in ten hospitalized patients worldwide suffers preventable harm. “The answer to medical error must be systemic,” he told Cameroon Tribune.
The urgency follows high‑profile cases, including the deaths of Stéphanie Siewe in Douala and Dr. Mbengono Barbara Nancy Hilary in Yaoundé, which triggered suspensions of a dozen doctors for negligence and surgical errors. Public anger intensified after a pregnant student died during exams, with disputed reports that hospital staff refused care over a 8,000‑franc ($14) deposit.
Cameroon’s health financing remains fragile. Citizens cover about 70% of health spending out of pocket, while the state allocates only 5.5%–7% of its budget to health, far below the 15% pledge African governments made in 2001. Public spending averages just 3,400 francs ($6) per person annually.
The digital health plan is expected to be financed through multisectoral partnerships, pointing to support from donors like the World Bank and private contractors. Whether formal commitments follow will determine if Cameroon can afford the system it has promised.
By digitizing hospital care, Cameroon hopes to build a framework of accountability, improve patient outcomes, and restore public trust in its health system.
