Togo's public hospitals are experiencing a significant increase in popularity, with a substantial rise in consultations over the past few years. According to the health authorities, the nine contracted hospitals have seen a remarkable surge in consultations, with numbers more than doubling since 2017. This trend is particularly notable, given that the 2026 figures only cover the first nine months of the year.
The most significant increases in consultations have been observed in hospitals outside of the capital city, Lomé. The CHU de Kara has seen consultations more than triple, while the CHR de Tsévié and CHR de Dapaong have also experienced substantial growth. These hospitals have made significant strides in improving their services, contributing to the overall increase in public hospital consultations.
The CHU Sylvanus Olympio in Lomé remains the most frequently visited hospital in the country, with 136,528 consultations recorded. However, the notable growth in other hospitals indicates a shift towards more evenly distributed healthcare services across the country. This development is a positive sign for Togo's healthcare system, which has faced challenges in the past.
The increase in consultations can be attributed to several factors, including the contractualization of hospital management, modernization of equipment, and reinforcement of staff. Additionally, the expansion of universal health insurance has made healthcare more accessible and attractive to the public. These efforts have contributed to a renewed sense of trust in public hospitals, which were previously perceived as under-equipped and under-staffed.
The growth in public hospital consultations is a significant indicator of the transformation of Togo's healthcare system. The authorities have made concerted efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, which has led to increased public confidence. However, it is essential to ensure that this growth is accompanied by sustained quality of care and reasonable waiting times.
According to the data, the number of consultations in the nine contracted hospitals has increased from 274,280 in 2017 to 583,218 by the end of September 2026, representing a 112.6% increase. The CHU de Kara, CHR de Tsévié, and CHR de Dapaong have recorded increases of 220.7%, 191.3%, and 172.4%, respectively.
As Togo's healthcare system continues to evolve, it is crucial to build on the progress made so far. The government and healthcare authorities must prioritize sustaining and improving the quality of care, as well as ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and equitable for all citizens. By doing so, Togo's public hospitals can continue to regain the trust of the population and provide essential healthcare services to those in need.
Key points
- Consultations in Togo's public hospitals have more than doubled since 2017, with a 112.6% increase recorded across nine contracted hospitals.
