Cameroonian doctors to deal with the shortage of doctors in Pas-de-Calais

Medical desertification affects many municipalities in the region. In the town of Haisnes, the town hall tried to anticipate retirements. After several recruitment failures, a route is being considered in Cameroon. Four African doctors say they are interested.

In Haisnes, the health center is brand new. Opened in summer 2024, it already houses nurses, osteopath, podiatrist, dental practice. Problem: only two doctors practice there since the retirement of four other general practitioners. At least two more would be needed to meet the needs.

The municipality has been working on the matter for several years. “It’s been a long time since I raised the alarm. The doctors have left and have not been replaced. There are so few who want to come.” laments Mayor Frédéric Wallet. “If we want to have a doctor, we have to be attractive, we have to put all the chances on our side“.

The municipality therefore acquired the medical part of the health center.to be able to work in harmony with doctors“.

These are people who have quite interesting experience in hospitals there. One of them even specializes in pediatrics.

Frédéric Wallet, mayor of Haisnes

Despite efforts, the recruitment of general practitioners is struggling. “I went to recruitment cells in Eastern countries, notably Romania.“, explains Frédéric Wallet. “But it didn't work.” The chosen one therefore turned to a “serious track” in Cameroon. A psychiatrist, himself of Cameroonian origin and who practices near Haisnes, made the connection.

Four practitioners, three men and one woman, are candidates. “I am in contact by email. These arehe people who have quite interesting experience in hospitals there. One of them even specializes in pediatrics“. On the town hall side, the accommodation is already ready, but the administrative procedures could be long and complex.

Because we must ensure that everything is in order, particularly in terms of diplomas and recognition. In this context, the town hall works in close collaboration with the Order of Physicians. The four practitioners will have to complete internships. The Béthune-Beuvry hospital center could be a partner for training. “We're trying to fight for territory. We are a facilitator. We sincerely hope that we can make it happen.“, continues Frédéric Wallet. Only the National Management Centera public administrative establishment under the supervision of the ministry, will be able to validate or not the arrival of African doctors.

People don't see doctors and, when they do see one, it's too late. Some go to see an ophthalmologist in Paris. It's still crazy

Frédéric Wallet, mayor of Haisnes

It's still only a project, but it says a lot about the chronic difficulty small towns have in finding general practitioners. In the Haisnes region, the need for care is immense. According to the mayor, 6,000 patients would be without a regular doctor in the extended territory (with the municipalities of Douvrin, Auchy-Les-Mines, Billy-Berclau, Hulluch). So there is a lot of impatience.

And too bad if the practitioners come from far away. “The residents have reached a point, they just want to be taken care of. These doctors have the same skills, the same studies. We must not have prejudices, we must overcome the divide. We are no longer in Marly-Gomont. Residents will make up their own minds.”

Himself an osteopath and podiatrist, Frédéric Wallet describes to us these patients who arrive with “lesions that are too advanced” : “People don't see doctors and, when they do see one, it's too late. Some go to see an ophthalmologist in Paris. It's still crazy“.

An unbearable observation for the elected official who decided to act. He is ready to wait: “If we do nothing, we will wait even longer. I hope they will be there at the next greetings in 2026“.