Burkina faso: Journalists embarked on a five-day press caravan organized by the Ministry of Health from July 22 to July 26, 2025, across public hospitals in the Central, Central-West, Hauts-Bassins, and Cascades regions to evaluate the effectiveness of reduced healthcare prices and their impact on service provision.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the initiative aims to enhance financial accessibility to healthcare. The caravan's first stop was Bogodogo University Hospital (CHU), where Dr. Zacharie W. Kafando, head of the hospital pharmacy, confirmed effective implementation of cost-reduction measures for examinations and medications. "There has been a notable reduction in treatment costs and hospital expenses," Dr. Kafando stated, highlighting survey findings of user satisfaction with the price drop.
Seydou Nombr©, the general director of Bogodogo University Hospital, specified that scanner prices are now 25,000 CFA francs and MRIs at 40,000 CFA francs, with dialysis deposits removed and emergency dialysis costing 2,500 CFA francs. He reported a 17% growth rate in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, affirming consumables' availability.
Patients like Elodie Flora Ou©draogo/Nikiema and Mahamadi Kientor© expressed satisfaction with the reduced costs, with Ou©draogo noting a significant decrease in MRI prices. Kientor© appreciated the lower medication costs for his father's treatment.
At Yalgado Ou©draogo Hospital, nephrologist Dr. Hassane Traor© discussed the benefits for dialysis patients, who no longer pay a 500,000 CFA francs fee. Dr. Traor© expressed hope for the completion of four new dialysis centers, which would expand treatment capacity.
Similar observations were reported at Ziniar© Regional Hospital Center, where product prices were visibly reduced. Radiologist Ismal Traor© praised the measure's relief for patients, despite increasing demand. Mady Zoron©, the general director, appreciated the comfort it provides both doctors and patients.
Patient Judith Yameogo also welcomed the medication price reductions, which enabled her to purchase all prescribed products. The government's decision on March 13, 2025, to lower the prices for CT scans, MRIs, and hemodialysis procedures marks a significant step toward affordable healthcare.