Reducing the medical cost of deliveries in Burkina Faso is good for everyone, including the poor

Date

2012-03

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

PubMed

Abstract

Since 2007, Burkina Faso has subsidized 80% of the costs of childbirth. Women are required to pay 20% except for the indigent, who are exempt. The objective of the policy was to increase service utilization and reduce costs for households. The study analyzes efficacy of the policy and distribution of benefits. Results show that all categories of the population benefit from this policy, including the poorest. Yet despite subsidization, women still carry a significant cost burden; half of them pay more than they should, and few indigents are fully exempted. Continued efforts must be made to reduce geographic barriers for all women.

Description

Keywords

HEALTH ECONOMICS, BURKINA FASO, HEALTH POLICY, OBSTETRIC LABOUR, PARTURITION, DELIVERY, OBSTETRIC, HEALTH EXPENDITURE, ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

Citation

Ridde, V., Kouanda, S., Bado, A., Bado, N., & Haddad, S. (2012). Reducing the Medical Cost of Deliveries in Burkina Faso Is Good for Everyone, Including the Poor. PLoS ONE, 7(3), e33082. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0033082

DOI