Dr. Nick Ngwanyam Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Health Worker Training in Cameroon

Dr. Nick Ngwanyam Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Health Worker Training in Cameroon

Dr. Nick Ngwanyam, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of St. Louis Clinic and University Institute, has proposed a major overhaul of how healthcare personnel are trained and certified in Cameroon.

In a policy statement published on social media on Sunday under the platform of the 3rd Option Government, the senior surgeon and healthcare administrator outlined several reforms aimed at raising professional standards and aligning Cameroon’s health training with international best practices.

National Licensing Exam for All Health Workers

 

The central proposal is the introduction of a compulsory, computer-based national licensing examination for all nurses and other health professionals trained in Cameroon. 

Modelled on the United States’ NCLEX exam, the test would assess both theoretical knowledge and practical competence. Questions would be provided in both English and French.

Dr. Ngwanyam said the exam would apply not only to new graduates but also to health workers who completed their training in the last 10 to 15 years, whether they are currently practicing in Cameroon or abroad.

“Only candidates who successfully pass the examination would be eligible for registration with the country’s Nursing and Technicians Board,” he stated.

Teaching Hospitals and Institutional Reform 

The healthcare entrepreneur also called on all institutions training health professionals to establish and operate their own teaching hospitals. He argued that increased access to clinical practice is critical to improving the quality of medical education and preparing graduates for real-world practice.

To strengthen quality control, Dr. Ngwanyam further proposed reducing the number of institutions authorized to train healthcare personnel in Cameroon to 100.

Ministry’s Role to Shift to Public Health  

In another significant proposal, Dr. Ngwanyam recommended ending the Ministry of Public Health’s direct involvement in training healthcare workers. 

Instead, he said the ministry should refocus on core public health mandates, including sanitation, environmental hygiene, food safety, waste management, and the maintenance of clean public toilets in towns, cities, and villages across the country.

Part of Broader Healthcare Vision

Dr. Ngwanyam, who is also a promoter of the 3rd Option Government, said the proposals are part of a broader vision to reform Cameroon’s healthcare system and ensure that professional training meets global standards.

The announcement has already sparked debate among health professionals and training institutions, with many awaiting the government’s response.

Naso News