Cameroon Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility for Wounded Soldiers in Yaoundé

This ultramodern facility aims to address the challenges faced by wounded soldiers and ensure they receive comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation within the country.

Commitment to Soldiers' Welfare: A Vision of Modernization

The inauguration aligns with the vision of President Paul Biya, who remains committed to enhancing the living and working conditions of the armed forces. Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, emphasized that this project is part of the broader defence reforms initiated in 2001. These reforms aim to modernize and optimize the operational readiness of the defence and gendarmerie forces.

Despite economic constraints, President Biya’s administration continues to prioritize the well-being of soldiers, providing them with the necessary support to recover from injuries sustained in service to the nation.

Overview of the Complex

Key Features of the Facility

• Size and Layout: Spanning approximately 8,440 square meters, the complex comprises three buildings—two three-storey buildings and one two-storey structure—designated as blocks A, B, and C.
• Capacity: Designed to accommodate up to 350 persons.
• Disability-Friendly Infrastructure: Includes ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities tailored for persons with disabilities.

Functional Areas

The complex serves multiple purposes, integrating areas for:

1. Medical Care and Rehabilitation:
   • Rehabilitation room
   • Functional rehabilitation spaces
   • A 10-bed massage room
   • Consultation offices
   • Post-hospitalization rooms
2. Recreation and Relaxation:
   • Library
   • Sports room and multisport playground
   • Swimming pool
   • Medication garden
3. Administrative Operations: Offices for coordination and management.
4. Support Facilities: Laundry rooms, ceremonial areas, car parks, security posts, and sanitation facilities.

Symbolism and Design

At the center of the complex stands a monument depicting able-bodied soldiers supporting a comrade who has lost a limb, symbolizing unity and resilience.

Project Execution: Swift and Efficient

The construction of the Disabled Military Personnel Complex commenced in October 2020 and was completed in February 2023—significantly ahead of the 36-month timeline initially projected. The project was executed by the Military Engineering Corps, showcasing efficiency and expertise in infrastructure development.

Colonel Dr. Jean Claude Obam, Director of Military Health, lauded the design and construction efforts, emphasizing that the facility is a multipurpose public space catering to healthcare, rehabilitation, and recreation.

Addressing Challenges Faced by War Victims

The complex addresses critical issues, including:

• Rehabilitation Needs: Many soldiers suffer from severe injuries requiring long-term care, including reconstructive surgeries and functional rehabilitation.
• Cost of Medical Evacuations: High expenses incurred from evacuating injured personnel abroad will now be mitigated with local facilities.
• Psychological Support: The inclusion of mental health resources ensures comprehensive care, addressing both physical and emotional recovery.

Strategic Benefits

1. Decongestion of Existing Facilities: The First Region Military Hospital, which often experiences high patient influx, will now see reduced pressure due to the additional capacity provided by the new complex.
2. Comprehensive Care: The facility ensures continuity of care, from initial treatment to rehabilitation and reintegration.
3. Morale Boost: By providing state-of-the-art facilities, the government reaffirms its commitment to the armed forces, boosting morale among troops.

Official Remarks and Recommendations

During the inauguration, Minister Beti Assomo expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the project. He highlighted the facility’s importance in addressing the operational and humanitarian challenges faced by soldiers, especially those injured in the line of duty. He also urged managers and users of the facility to maintain it responsibly, preserving its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The event was attended by top military and civilian dignitaries, including:

• Yves Galax Etoga, Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie.
• Koumpa Issa, Secretary of State in charge of Ex-Servicemen and War Victims.
• Ministers of Employment, Social Affairs, and Women's Empowerment, reflecting the project’s multidisciplinary impact.

Conclusion

The Disabled Military Personnel Complex in Yaoundé is a beacon of hope and progress for the nation’s defence forces and civilians alike. By providing world-class facilities and services, it sets a benchmark for healthcare and rehabilitation in Cameroon. It symbolizes the nation's gratitude to its soldiers, ensuring they recover and reintegrate with dignity and honor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the Disabled Military Personnel Complex?
   It provides medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support to wounded soldiers, other Ministry of Defence personnel, and civilians in need.

2. Who constructed the facility?
   The Military Engineering Corps designed and built the complex.

3. What facilities are available in the complex?
   It includes rehabilitation rooms, sports areas, a library, a medication garden, administrative offices, and accessible infrastructure for persons with disabilities.

4. How many people can the complex accommodate?
   The facility has a capacity of 350 persons.

5. What challenges does the facility address?
   It reduces reliance on costly medical evacuations abroad, decongests existing military hospitals, and provides holistic care for injured personnel.

6. Who officiated the inauguration ceremony?
   The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, led the inauguration, with other high-ranking officials in attendance.