Ouagadougou: Beneficiaries of the Universal Health Insurance Scheme (RAMU) welcomed, on Thursday, at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital Centers (CHU-YO) and Bogodogo, the effectiveness of the implementation of the pilot phase launched last Sunday by the Burkinabe government.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the National Universal Health Insurance Fund (CNAMU), accompanied by journalists, visited the Yalgado Ouedraogo (CHU-YO) and Bogodogo University Hospital Centers to observe, five days after its launch, the effectiveness of the Universal Health Insurance Scheme (RAMU), officially implemented as part of the pilot phase.

One of the beneficiaries, Palingwende Thierry Silga, explained that the RAMU program is a timely solution for Burkinabe citizens, providing a safety net for accessing medical care during financial hardships. He was at Yalgado for treatment under the RAMU program and described how he used his registration certificate to obtain a 70% discount on acupuncture sessions.

Mr. Silga shared that he received a text message confirming the program's operational status, noting a reduction of an initial 25,000 FCFA cost to 17,500 FCFA. He expressed optimism about anticipating health-related expenses, although he acknowledged the need for administrative adjustments.

Similarly, at the Bogodogo University Hospital Center (CHU-B), beneficiary Tega Sawadogo praised the initiative for offering significant savings on medical expenses, such as blood tests and consultations, under the RAMU program.

Mariam Thombiano/Sorgho, head of patient administration at CHU-YO, confirmed RAMU's operational status since February 1, 2026, citing the treatment of 13 patients, mostly on an outpatient basis, without any reported issues.

The CHU-B has also registered seven patients since the pilot phase's implementation, indicating a positive reception and effectiveness of the RAMU initiative in its early days.