2024-04-02 01:43:12
This is a case that is likely to cause a lot of noise in the Cameroonian medical community. Njoya Moussa, a consultant, announced his intention to file a criminal complaint against the Biyemassi district hospital for violation of medical confidentiality concerning his child under 5 years old. A decision with serious consequences which comes after a weekend of controversy on social networks, where the consultant had virulently denounced the failing care of his son by the establishment. A shocking testimony relayed by 237online.com which aroused emotion and indignation among Internet users.
“The child was writhing in pain, but no one cared” : a father’s cry of alarm
In a post that went viral, Njoya Moussa recounted the ordeal experienced by his son when he was rushed to Biyemassi hospital for a health crisis. Rather than immediately taking care of the child, the nursing staff allegedly demanded the purchase of a new medical book and an appointment book, in addition to paying for a consultation at 2,800 francs, even though that children under 5 are supposed to benefit from free admission. “The worst thing is that after paying all this, without even touching the child, you are prescribed a battery of examinations at a high price”, protests the consultant. And to drive the point home: “ Meanwhile, the child was writhing in pain! This is the humanization of care and universal health coverage that we hear about every day! »
Hospital management counterattacks and reveals confidential information
Faced with this overwhelming testimony which ignited the web, the management of Biyemassi hospital chose to step up to the plate by publishing a vitriolic press release. But instead of calming things down, this clarification added fuel to the fire by revealing confidential medical information about the child and his care. We learn his full name, his age, his weight, his temperature, the results of the clinical examination and the details of the treatment prescribed. Elements which nevertheless fall under medical confidentiality and which should never have been displayed in public without the consent of the parents. An ethical slippage that is all the more shocking as it concerns a minor under 5 years old.
“We condemn this unhealthy and malicious attitude” : the hospital denounces a cabal
Taken to task, the Biyemassi leadership did not hesitate to attack Njoya Moussa head-on, accusing him of being a “social media agitator » who would not have “for the sole ambition of bringing the hospital into disrepute« . “We condemn this unhealthy and malicious attitude”insists the press release, promising that “their hatred of public services will in no way blunt our commitment and our self-sacrifice”. A muscular response which reflects the feverishness of the establishment in the face of this highly sensitive matter. Especially since Njoya Moussa does not intend to stop there and has already announced on 237online.com his intention to take legal action to “violation of a minor’s medical confidentiality”. There is no doubt that this legal-media standoff is only just beginning and promises new twists and turns in the days to come.