Challenges in Establishing an Interventional Radiology Unit in Cameroon

Background: Although the prevalence of chronic diseases is steadily increasing in Cameroon, interventional radiology, an advanced technology offering minimally invasive solutions for diagnosing and treating these diseases, remains underutilized. This study aimed to assess the challenges in establishing an interventional radiology unit (IRU) in Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study over three months across the country, during which we conducted a rigorous survey involving 1,037 healthcare and administrative personnel from public and private healthcare facilities. Financial, technical, infrastructural, logistical, human resource, regulatory, and political challenges were assessed and analyzed using R software. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was performed to compare the proportions of different challenges across healthcare personnel categories and healthcare facility types (95% CI; α = 0.05). Results: Most healthcare facilities were referral hospitals (27%) and private clinics (26%), yet 72% lacked angiography equipment. Financial satisfaction among healthcare personnel varied significantly by professional category (p < 0.001), with 52% dissatisfied, negatively influencing staff involvement in setting up an IRU (69%, p < 0.001). The main challenges were financial, with high equipment costs (56%, p < 0.001); logistical, including equipment transportation (46%, p < 0.001) and medical supply procurement (43%, p < 0.001); lack of trained personnel (57%, p < 0.001); and regulatory barriers (45%, p < 0.001). Additionally, political support was deemed insufficient (37% neutral, 25% unfavorable, p < 0.001). Proposed solutions included improving equipment maintenance (35%), purchasing modern equipment (34%), expanding infrastructure (31%, p < 0.001), staff training through international collaborations (46%, p < 0.001), and local seminars (42%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, increased public funding (55%), public-private partnerships (31%), and international subsidies (13%, p < 0.001) were identified as key strategies for establishing an IRU in Cameroon. Conclusion: Financial, logistical, and regulatory challenges, particularly the high cost of equipment, lack of trained personnel, and insufficient political support, hinder the implementation of interventional radiology in Cameroon. However, solutions such as infrastructure improvements, specialized training, and strengthening public and private funding could facilitate its development. Collaboration between health authorities and international partners is essential to improving chronic disease management.