IVORY COAST – Ivory Coast has launched mobile enrollment centers across the country, in a bid to address the challenges plaguing its universal health coverage program.
The program, known locally as CMU, aims to provide affordable healthcare to all Ivorian citizens, but has faced criticism since its inception in 2019 due to difficulties in accessing benefits.
The mobile centers, set up in markets and remote neighborhoods, allow Ivorians to sign up for the scheme and receive their cards on the spot, enabling them to immediately start receiving care at hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies nationwide.
This innovative approach, inspired by successful COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, aims to reach individuals who have been unable to enroll due to demanding work schedules or limited access to traditional enrollment centers.
Despite being one of the few West African nations offering universal health coverage, Ivory Coast has struggled to attract participants.
As of this year, only 40% of the population, or 13 million people, have managed to enroll in the program, which charges a monthly fee of 1,000 West African CFA francs (approximately US$1.65) and covers 70% of healthcare costs.
Existing participants have reported various issues, such as pharmacy vouchers provided at hospitals not being honored, leading to out-of-pocket payments.
Residents like Bruno Agnissan and Samuel Touffet have expressed frustrations with the system, citing difficulties in redeeming vouchers and unclear guidelines on where to utilize their CMU cards.
Health Minister Pierre Dimba remains optimistic about the program’s potential, stating, “We are currently considering the possibility of making this card usable in private establishments.
‘’And ultimately, it’s a unique platform of health coverage that we will have in our country, that if you are privately insured, you will be on the same platform as the universal health coverage, which will be the basic insurance.
Other insurance will be just complementary, like in the great countries that we all know.”
To address the challenges and boost enrollment, Dimba has set an ambitious goal of reaching 20 million Ivorians by the end of the year.
The mobile enrollment centers are expected to play a crucial role in this effort, providing direct access to the program in communities across the country.
Despite the ongoing struggles, residents like Martin Abou remain hopeful about the potential benefits of the universal health coverage program for their families’ healthcare needs.
As Ivory Coast continues to refine and expand its CMU initiative, the success of the mobile enrollment centers will be closely watched as a potential model for other nations in the region seeking to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to their citizens.
For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook
