EMERGENCY RELOCATION OF A CARDIO - SURGICAL HEALTH FACILITY DUE TO WAR

Abstract

This article seeks to share our experience on the consequences of a poorly managed conflict and its impact on a healthcare institution. We further try to talk on what it takes to relocate, especially such a vital sector like cardiac surgery amidst the socio-economic and socio-political context in which the hospital happens to be situated. Bearing in mind that the promptness of a patient’s recovery in a healthcare facility depends immensely on how accurate the engineers were during the design and construction phase, how precise international standards are implemented in the various engineering sectors of the hospital is of capital importance. Following the Cameroonian mind set, wherein division of labor and meritocracy are usually far fetch realities, it is therefore of prime importance to choose experienced and qualified contractors, architects, project managers to take part in the implementation of healthcare projects. The process of relocating either temporarily or permanently some health services from a crisis stricken zone to a safer environment also demands a lot of tactfulness in decision making as well as personnel involvement. All personnels from the various sectors being relocated must work closely with the team leader such that all necessary equipment, consumables, surgical materials are put together in order to simplify logistics and even safeguard the logistical process.