Cyrille Bekono, Joshua Tambe, Ambroise Seme, Odile F. Zeh
Background: Ultrasonography (US) is a medical procedure. In Cameroon, Law n° 90-36 of August 10 1990 regarding the organization of medical practice assigns the responsibilities of medical procedures to physicians. However, the shortage of physicians and the widespread adoption of US has led to the practice of US by other healthcare practitioners, most with inappropriate informal training.
Objectives: To assess the legal framework concerning the practice of US in Cameroon.
Methods: A narrative documentary review was performed.
Results: According to existing regulations, any physician appropriately trained can perform US as long as their level of performance does not compromise the quality of care. Adequate equipment should be obtained, and proper documentation and reporting of findings to sufficiently address the clinical situation are mandatory. However, dysfunctions in the health system and the absence of control and disciplinary measures have resulted to overuse, at times abusively.
Conclusion: Training and an enforced legal framework specific to the practice of are necessary for better healthcare.
Keywords: Ultrasonography, legal framework, Cameroon