The Regional Hospital Bamenda has received 200 maternity kits from President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya as the government steps up support for women and victims of violence in the North-West Region.
The items were handed over on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, by Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji, who visited the health facility as a special envoy of the Presidential Couple.
The donation targets pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Each package contains a bathing tub, baby basket, bucket, chamber pot, basin, cup and soap dish. The gesture was presented as a token of appreciation to women for their support during the last presidential election.
During the visit, the special envoy of the presidential couple also went to the wards to meet citizens receiving treatment, including wounded public servants.
Atiela principal receives presidential message
Among those visited by the Territorial Administration boss was Benyella Godwin Tafoang, Principal of Government Bilingual High School Atiela and a representative for Mezam Division at the North-West Regional Assembly.
Benyella has been receiving treatment at the hospital since September 25, when he was shot near his school in Mile 4 Nkwen in Bamenda III subdivision.
The attack occurred as the principal was heading to work. He is said to have encountered armed men near a Catholic church close to the school and was wounded after resisting an alleged attempt to abduct him.
Minister Paul Atanga Nji conveyed President Biya’s encouragement to the injured education administrator. “I am here to extend the encouragement of the President of the Republic. He is with you, and despite the difficulties, you can count on him,” the minister said.
He further assured the Principal of GBHS Atiela that the State would support him throughout his recovery and warned that those responsible for the attack would be pursued.
The Director of the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Dr Sama Julius, said the principal is now out of danger and responding positively to treatment.
Hospital treats growing number of shooting victims
The visit also highlighted the continuing impact of violence on medical services in Bamenda. According to Dr Sama Julius, the hospital treated 15 gunshot victims in September alone.
Two more cases had been recorded by October 6, 2026, while two gunshot victims were still in the wards during the minister’s visit. The hospital has also treated other victims of attacks, including the Regional Delegate of CAMPOST, who was discharged on October 2, 2026.
The Bamenda Regional Hospital Director said the number of gunshot cases remains one of the facility’s biggest challenges. The situation, he disclosed, has added pressure to a hospital already dealing with shortages and equipment problems while serving a large population from Bamenda and surrounding areas.
Dialysis centre gets temporary relief
The hospital’s hemodialysis unit has also faced repeated breakdowns of its machines. Dr Sama said recent intervention from the Ministry of Public Health had helped improve the situation.
Two motherboards were recently supplied, allowing two faulty machines to be repaired. This increased the number of functional machines from seven to nine. The hospital is also expecting 10 new dialysis machines, which are expected to provide a more permanent solution to the equipment problems.
Fire-damaged building still awaits rehabilitation
Infrastructure remains another challenge. A fire rendered the hospital’s multi-purpose building unusable, limiting the facility’s available space.
According to the hospital director, however, the rehabilitation process has advanced considerably. The hospital is also facing difficulties recovering medical bills from patients who cannot afford treatment or fail to settle their bills.
Government officials accompany minister
Atanga Nji’s visit was accompanied by senior regional officials, including North-West Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique. Dr Yaa Sakah Fondufe Lydia, Commissioner for Health and Social Development at the North-West Regional Assembly, also attended on behalf of the President of the Regional Executive Council.
The visit brought together two pressing concerns in the North-West, namely the welfare of citizens affected by violence and the growing demands placed on public health facilities.
For the Bamenda Regional Hospital, the 200 maternity kits provide immediate assistance to women, while the minister’s meeting with wounded citizens offered a public show of government solidarity.
For Benyella Godwin, the visit came as he continues his recovery from the September 25 shooting and for the hospital administration, it provided an opportunity to put the facility’s growing medical, equipment, and infrastructure needs directly before a senior government official.
#Laarry Times
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