Kaya: As part of the implementation of the national policy to improve access to healthcare, the Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Communication and Press Relations (DCRP), carried out a field mission from May 19 to 21, 2025, to the Kaya Regional Hospital Center (CHR). This initiative aimed to assess the impact of reducing the cost of medical examinations, particularly scanners, on the activities of healthcare professionals and patients in the North-Central region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, since April 2024, the Burkinabe government has introduced a major reform, introducing a single fee of 25,000 CFA francs for CT scans in public healthcare facilities. This measure aims to remove the financial barriers that hindered access to medical imaging, particularly for vulnerable populations. It has been welcomed by all stakeholders in the healthcare sector, who are already seeing its beneficial effects.
At the Kaya Hospital, the results speak for themselves. Ms. Safoura Sawadogo/Yam©ogo, Director General of the Kaya Hospital, notes a remarkable increase in the number of examinations performed, from 83 in January 2024 to 213 in January 2025. She emphasizes that doctors no longer hesitate to prescribe scans, which are now accessible to a greater number of patients. This dynamic allows for earlier diagnoses, with a direct impact on the effectiveness of medical care.
Testimonies gathered from healthcare professionals confirm this trend. Dr. Loceni Banhoro, head of the imaging department, highlights the government’s efforts to strengthen technical and human resources. He points out that the price reduction would have no effect without the presence of modern equipment and qualified specialists. He emphasizes the importance of the upstream investments, which have created the necessary conditions for this reform to truly bear fruit.
Dr. Lassan© Taoko, a neurosurgery specialist, emphasizes the value of a reliable diagnosis, especially in critical cases. He welcomes the single pricing for all types of scans, which he considers a major step forward for both patients and caregivers. This system simplifies procedures and promotes greater accessibility, regardless of the type of examination.
Dr. Wendpanga Rodrigue Lucas Douamba, a specialist in orthopedic trauma at the Kaya University Hospital, also expressed his satisfaction. He observed a marked improvement in the care of internally displaced persons, who are often victims of serious trauma such as gunshot wounds and live in precarious conditions. Thanks to the 24-hour availability of the scanner, these patients now receive rapid and appropriate care, which represents a significant step forward in emergency care.
On the beneficiaries’ side, the testimonies are filled with gratitude and hope. Bibata Diand©, an internally displaced person, explains that a CT scan previously cost up to 80,000 CFA francs, an amount out of reach for her family. She says she is relieved by this reform and hopes it will be extended to other areas of health care. Prosper Bourgou, a patient’s companion, says the price reduction has allowed him to have a neck CT scan and a thigh ultrasound performed, two examinations that would have been inaccessible without this measure. As a farmer, he thanks the authorities for this initiative and praises the professionalism of the health personnel.
By combining cost reduction, improved equipment, and continuity of services, this reform perfectly illustrates the government’s commitment to a more equitable healthcare system. It helps improve accessibility, raise the quality of care, and provide patients with greater safety, particularly in areas where the needs are most pressing.
The Kaya CHR appears to be a concrete example of a public policy oriented towards social justice and health efficiency.