Ivory Coast Ramps Up Universal Health Coverage with Mobile Enrollment Centers

In Summary

• Health authorities have introduced mobile enrollment centers to boost participation in the country's universal health coverage program (CMU), which has faced criticism for accessibility issues since its inception in 2019.
• Despite the goal of covering 70% of healthcare costs for a nominal fee, less than half of the population has successfully enrolled in the program.
• Enrolled participants have encountered problems such as non-acceptance of hospital vouchers at pharmacies, leading to out-of-pocket expenses.
• The mobile centers, located in markets and remote areas, aim to make enrollment easier and provide immediate care access with onsite card distribution.
• Residents express mixed feelings about the program, with some facing ongoing issues with service acceptance, while others remain hopeful about its potential benefits.

DETAILS

Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast- In an effort to improve access to healthcare, Ivory Coast has launched mobile enrollment centers for its universal health coverage program, the CMU, which has been met with public scrutiny since its 2019 launch. The program aims to cover 70% of healthcare costs for a monthly fee of approximately $1.65, yet it has struggled with enrollment and operational challenges.

As of now, only about 40% of Ivory Coast's population has managed to enroll in the program. Many of those who have enrolled have reported significant issues, particularly with the acceptance of hospital-issued vouchers at pharmacies, forcing them to incur unexpected costs.

The introduction of mobile enrollment centers is a strategic move inspired by the successful outreach campaigns during the COVID-19 vaccination drive. These centers are strategically placed in busy markets and remote neighborhoods to facilitate easier sign-up processes and immediate issuance of CMU cards, allowing participants to access medical services without delay.

Residents like Bruno Agnissan have experienced firsthand the shortcomings of the program. Agnissan recounted an incident where a hospital voucher failed to be honored at multiple pharmacies, leading to personal financial burdens. This issue was echoed by Samuel Touffet, another local, who voiced concerns over the inconsistency of the card's acceptance across medical facilities.

Despite these challenges, some, like Martin Abou, are optimistic about the potential benefits of the program, especially considering the unpredictable nature of health needs.

Health Minister Pierre Dimba expressed his hopes for the CMU to serve as foundational health insurance for all Ivorians, with private insurance acting only as a supplementary option. His immediate goal is to see 20 million residents enrolled by the end of the year, significantly increasing the current participation rates.

This initiative reflects Ivory Coast's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability, although it faces considerable hurdles in implementation and public confidence.