Niger Slashes Healthcare Costs by 50 Per Cent, Offers Free Childbirth Services

Healthcare costs in Niger’s public health facilities have been reduced by 50 per cent, with childbirth services now being offered free of charge, according to the Niger Press Agency (ANP). This decision took effect on September 1, following an approval by the government on August 22 during a Council of Ministers meeting.

The ANP reported that its team tried to visit hospitals to check if the new prices were being applied. However, they were not allowed to speak with health officials, who said they needed permission from the Ministry in charge before talking to the press.

This price reduction is part of the government’s efforts to ease the financial burden on the population and improve public health. The high costs of healthcare services in public hospitals have made it difficult for many people to access the care they need.

The reduced prices apply to many public health facilities, including Health Centers, Integrated Health Centers, District and Regional Hospitals, Maternal and Child Health Centers, and National Hospitals, such as the Issaka Gazobi Maternity Hospital and National Reference Hospitals.

The services that will now cost less include consultations for people over five years old, patient observation, hospital stays, lab tests, imaging tests, and medical-surgical procedures. Childbirth will be accessible at all these facilities. Also, dialysis patients will no longer have to pay the lifetime package fee of 150,000 francs.

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