Ouagadougou: The Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Emile Zerbo, and the Minister of State, Minister of War and Patriotic Defense, Major General C©lestin Simpor©, jointly presided over the inauguration ceremony of a new hospitalization building at the Military Medical Center of D©dougou.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the initiative to construct this new health facility was driven by the need to enhance the military health system in the D©dougou garrison, which has been experiencing high demand for medical care from combat forces. Officials from the 5th military region had requested a large capacity hospital room to cater to the medical needs of the wounded, a request that was met positively under the leadership of Minister Emile Zerbo.
The facility, a product of collective efforts, was made possible by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility staff who allocated their per diems from the Boards of Directors of the Ministerial Sector (CASEM) for the year 2025. This solidarity initiative, supported by notary Me Soumala Dakuo, resulted in the construction of a 285 m² building at a cost of 74,314,979 FCFA. The facility includes two hospital rooms with ten beds each, integrated toilet blocks, a guard room, consultation room, treatment room, store, and technical room.
Emile Zerbo noted that the choice of D©dougou was a response to practical needs on the ground. He emphasized that the project was a collective effort by the Ministry staff, showcasing an exemplary spirit of solidarity and dedication to public service. He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Soumala Dakuo for his support.
Mr. Soumala Dakuo, representing the donors, highlighted the initiative as a citizen contribution to strengthening public services, particularly for the Combatant Forces. He stressed the importance of supporting those who protect the country's peace and stability.
Toussaint Dipama, Director General of Sectoral Studies and Statistics at MATM, explained that organizing CASEM via videoconference under Emile Zerbo's guidance allowed for expense rationalization and resource mobilization necessary for the project.
Lieutenant-Colonel Idrissa Sosth¨ne Coulibaly, Commander of the 5th Military Region, commended the completion of the facility, which he said would significantly enhance healthcare capabilities for combat forces and administrative staff. He affirmed their commitment to responsible use of the facility and called for continued solidarity.
The ceremony concluded with Ministers cutting the ribbon, unveiling commemorative plaques, touring the building, signing the guest book, and planting trees. They also visited wounded fighters to offer recovery wishes and extended condolences to the canton chief of D©dougou following a local land chief's passing.