Ouagadougou: The Minister of Health, Dr. Lucien Kargougou, made an unannounced visit this Sunday afternoon, July 19, 2026, to the Regional Hospital Center (CHR), the Urban Medical Center (CMU), and the Urban Health and Social Promotion Center (CSPS) III in Tenkodogo. The objective was to encourage the on-call teams and to reiterate the need for continuity and quality of care.
According to Burkina Information Agency, accompanied by the governor of the Nakamb region, Yiy Abraham Somdo, health authorities, and officials from the Defense and Security Forces, the minister went to meet the agents on duty. While many Burkinabe were enjoying their Sunday rest with their families, the on-call teams at the Regional Hospital Center (CHR), the Universal Health Center (CMU), and the Urban Health Center III (CSPS III) were ensuring patient care. It was to acknowledge this commitment that the minister initiated this surprise tour.
At each stage, Dr. Kargougou spoke with the on-call staff, visited several departments, and inquired about working conditions and the organization of on-call shifts. "Disease knows no holidays, no weekends, no public holidays. That is why health services must operate continuously to guarantee continuity of care," he reminded.
On behalf of the Government, the minister congratulated the officers present at their posts and expressed the authorities' appreciation for their daily efforts. For him, being present at the post is not just an administrative obligation, it is above all a moral duty, because every presence can save a life.
Beyond the encouragement, Dr. Lucien Kargougou stressed the strict adherence to work and on-call schedules, as well as the need for a reception characterized by respect, dignity, and humanism. "People have legitimate expectations of health services. They must be treated with respect and receive quality care. This message is addressed to all health workers in Burkina Faso," he stressed.
At the Urban Medical Center, the visit was received with satisfaction. Dr. Karim Sawadogo indicated that this gesture of support provides additional motivation for the teams. The same sentiment was echoed by the chief medical officer of the Tenkodogo health district, Dr. Sohint Som, who described the visit as a "pleasant surprise" and a source of moral support for the staff.
Dr. Som presented the reforms undertaken to improve personnel management, including the use of the SYSPROG digital platform. According to him, this tool makes it possible to plan and control work and care schedules, to guarantee compliance with the regulatory working hours and to strengthen transparency in the organization of services. He also assured that the concerns expressed by some agents are already being addressed by the relevant departments.
Through this tour, the Minister of Health wanted to send a dual message: to recognize the dedication of health workers and to invite them to maintain a high level of professionalism, while reaffirming the Government's commitment to improving their working conditions in order to better meet the expectations of the population.