Bobo-dioulasso: Journalists visited the Bobo-Dioulasso and Banfora hospitals from Thursday, July 24 to Friday, July 25, 2025, as part of a press caravan initiated by the Ministry of Health to evaluate the effectiveness of the reduction in prices for tests and generic drugs. The initiative aims to improve financial accessibility to health care in Burkina Faso, and observations showed the effectiveness of this measure.

According to Burkina Information Agency, at the Sour´ Sanou Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso, patient Elie Ouattara expressed appreciation for the government’s action in reducing the prices of essential generic medicines. However, he noted that some products were still unavailable at times, necessitating visits to other pharmacies. This situation poses a challenge for those who lack support to stay with the patient during such trips.

Similarly, at the Banfora Regional Hospital, journalists observed the positive impact of the price reduction. Radiologist Atiogb© Adeline noted that the population now has easier access to scanners, facilitating the diagnosis of various diseases. This accessibility has also decreased the need for patient evacuations to Bobo, which was previously necessary for those requiring scanner services.

Ms. Atiogb© highlighted that the number of patients has increased since the price reduction measure was implemented. She reported that more than 1,000 scans were performed per month in the last semester, indicating a significant rise in patient turnout due to the affordability of services.

In both hospitals, the reduction in the prices of tests and essential generic medicines was effectively implemented. Patients have welcomed this presidential initiative, although they also called for better availability of products in pharmaceutical stores.

The government’s decision on March 13, 2025, to reduce the prices of CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hemodialysis procedures has been a critical step in enhancing healthcare access in the region.