Sissili: Representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Robert Kargougou, the Governor of the Nakambé region, YIYE Abraham Somdo, officially opened the Scientific Conference of the Burkinabe Association of Health Service Administrators (ABASS) on Friday in Tenkodogo. For 72 hours, health officials, experts, and administrators will discuss the challenges of implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a major reform expected to bring about lasting change in the governance of health facilities in Burkina Faso.According to Burkina Information Agency, the conference commenced with a shared belief among administrative authorities, health officials, and partners that universal health insurance is crucial for enhancing access to quality healthcare for populations. Delivering the Minister of Health's speech, the Governor emphasized the Government's intent to establish a "sovereign, efficient, united and inclusive" health system through this reform.Governor Somdo highlighted that no citizen should be denied care due to financial constraints, underscoring that the Agricultural Mutual Assistance (AMU) relies on national solidarity and risk pooling to alleviate the financial strain of illness on households. He also noted the strategic importance of health service administrators in supporting the changes initiated by AMU to enhance hospital governance and promote a culture of performance, innovation, and efficiency.A significant announcement was made regarding the implementation of management accounting in regional and university hospitals beginning July 1, 2026. This reform aims to control service costs better, optimize resource utilization, and strengthen hospitals' financial stability.Abdoulaye Traoré, president of ABASS, stated that these scientific days align with the association's mission since its establishment in 1996: to assist the Ministry of Health by addressing major governance and management challenges in health services. Participants will also explore topics such as agreements with the CNAMU, health governance , digitalization of health services, and more.Dr. Joël Arthur Kiendrebeogo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, expressed optimism about the discussions' potential. He emphasized the strategic role of health service administrators in hospitals and health districts and their crucial involvement in the success of ongoing reforms, particularly Universal Health Coverage and healthcare system digitalization.Dr. Kiendrebeogo also called for a strong synergy of action among relevant ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the population to realize Universal Health Insurance for the benefit of all Burkinabe.As the conference concludes, participants are expected to provide concrete recommendations for improving healthcare facility governance and accelerating Universal Health Coverage implementation. Amid significant reforms, the scientific session's outcomes could contribute substantially to modernizing the Burkinabe healthcare system and improving access to quality care for the population.