Visionary Reports

The Douala General Hospital now has a new Onco- Hematology Facility, the facility designed to strengthen the hospital’s technical capacity in the fight against cancer, was inaugurated by the Minister of public health Dr Manaouda Malachi on Friday April 10 .

The new Onco-hematology Centre For integrated management of cancers at the Douala general hospital has a Laboratory (molecular biology/hematology), blood bank (blood products and apheresis)I outpatient (hematology consultations) and hospitalizations (protected unit, conventional hospitalization, secure reconstitution of cytostatic drugs)During the inauguration, the Minister Manaouda Malachi said the new building and final structural setup will enable the hospital to expand its ability to manage complex cancer cases more effectively. He explained that the project is part of a broader effort to build a “complete chain” for cancer care locally, reducing limitations created by insufficient infrastructure and specialized equipment.One of the most notable improvements involves a specialized machine that can produce “platelet concentrate” directly, a critical component for patient care. Minister Manaouda Malachi disclosed that the new Onco-hematology Centre For integrated management of cancers at the Douala General Hospital, is currently unique in Cameroon and is expected to significantly improve the quality and responsiveness of care for patients who require platelet transfusions.He added that they have already requested technical specifications for the equipment, with the goal of enabling other major hospitals including facilities in Garoua and Yaoundé to benefit as well. He also mentioned plans to consider additional capacity at the Douala General Hospital, including the possibility of acquiring a second unit.Beyond the Onco- hematology centre the minister also visited the medical imaging extension building incorporating magnetic resonance imaging equipment (1.5 Tesla MRI). The extension work on the radiotherapy department and the building to house the nuclear medicine department.He highlighted upgrades to laboratory operations, the expansion and renewal of infrastructure, and the increased availability of medical equipment. He further emphasized that the laboratory will not only support clinical services but also research activities, while enabling ,more individualized treatments for certain pathologies.“We are very satisfied with what we see here,” Minister Manaouda Malachi said, congratulating the hospital’s Director General for the progress and the continued drive to modernize services.For the director general of the Douala General Hospital Professor Henry Namme Luma , the hospital will continue working to expand its technical platform and strengthen its service capacity, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for complex cases through upgraded infrastructure, specialized tools, and enhanced laboratory capability.The hospital has also established itself as a center of excellence in cancer care, offering comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions. Each year, it manages between 1,200 and 1,500 new cancer patients and conducts thousands of related consultations, attracting patients from across the country and neighboring regions. Continuous investments in equipment, staff training, and international partnerships have strengthened its diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

By Gina ESONG