On September 22, 2026, Benin's Minister of Health, Rosine Dagniho, paid a visit to the Centre national hospitalier et universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (Cnhu-Hkm) in Cotonou, Benin. The visit aimed to assess the hospital's emergency care services, availability of healthcare personnel, and challenges faced in daily operations. Dagniho was accompanied by Prefect of Littoral Gilbert Déou Malè and Dr. Azé Josiane, Director of Health for the Littoral department.
During her visit, Dagniho toured various emergency services, including pediatrics, gyneco-obstetrics, and general emergencies. She met with medical teams and responsible personnel to discuss the implementation of emergency care measures. The minister emphasized the importance of providing rapid and effective care to patients with life-threatening conditions. Her presence on the ground was intended to understand the realities faced by patients and healthcare professionals daily.
Dagniho stated that her visit aimed to gather information and provide adapted responses to the challenges faced by the hospital. She also heard the testimony of a woman whose mother benefited from the emergency care measure, highlighting the concrete impact of the program on beneficiaries. The minister stressed that improving living conditions requires accessible, available, and quality healthcare, aligning with President Romuald Wadagni's vision.
The director general of Cnhu-Hkm, Dieudonné Gnonlonfoun, presented the hospital's emergency care program, which operates on the principle of "treating first and billing later." The program is supported by a budget allocation to strengthen hospitals with medications, consumables, and equipment. According to data presented, 638 patients with life-threatening conditions were treated at Cnhu-Hkm between the start of the program and September 9, 2026.
The data showed that pediatrics accounted for 311 cases, while gyneco-obstetrics and general emergencies had 94 and 233 cases, respectively. The total amount to be recovered for these treatments is over 45.1 million Fcfa, with a recovery rate of 35.71% as of September 9, leaving nearly 29 million Fcfa to be recovered. This situation is a major concern for hospital administrators.
The emergency care program primarily covers life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrests and infarctions. Dagniho's visit demonstrated the government's commitment to improving healthcare services and addressing the challenges faced by hospitals. The minister's engagement with hospital staff and patients highlighted the need for continued support and resources to ensure quality care.
The visit by Minister Rosine Dagniho reflects the government's efforts to prioritize healthcare and address the needs of Benin's population. The Cnhu-Hkm hospital plays a critical role in providing emergency care services, and the minister's assessment will inform future strategies to enhance healthcare delivery. Key areas of focus include increasing funding, improving infrastructure, and ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies.
Key points
- Minister Rosine Dagniho visited Cnhu-Hkm hospital to assess emergency care services and identify areas for improvement.
- The hospital has treated 638 patients with life-threatening conditions since the start of the emergency care program.
- The government aims to improve healthcare services, with a focus on accessible, available, and quality care for all Beninese citizens.
