Since the implementation of the first National Health Development Plan in 2011, the Ivorian government has focused on upgrading (or refurbishing) health infrastructure across the country.
Health budget on the rise
On several levels, between 2012 and 2019, 10 general hospitals with a capacity of between 50 and 80 beds were built, 22 regional hospital centers were rehabilitated as well as 78 general hospitals and 233 urban and rural health centers. Since 2011, the health budget in Ivory Coast has increased by 70%, reaching EUR 633 million in 2021 and will reach EUR 673 million in 2022.
Increase in the number of first contact health facilities
The number of first-contact health facilities increased from 2,023 in 2016 to 2,252 in 2017 and then 2,705 in 2019, an increase of 25% in 3 years. In total, Ivory Coast has more than 4,000 health facilities.
At the same time, the country has been equipped with specialized centers offering unique technical facilities in the subregion, such as the National Radiotherapy Center for the treatment of cancers and the Mother and Child Hospital in Bingerville. In 2019, the Ivorian health system had 152 operating rooms in public establishments, 260 public medical biology laboratories and 91 radiology services.
Une couverture Maladie universelle pour les plus défavorisées
In 2019, the country also introduced Universal Health Coverage. It benefits the most disadvantaged populations who now have access to basic health care. It represents a godsend for private clinics, which generate 60% to 70% of their revenue from insurance or mutual insurance companies. The Universal Health Coverage is therefore a driving force for the acquisition of medical equipment for both the private and public sectors.
The medical devices market in development
The Ivorian medical device market is heavily dependent on imports (90%). There is no local technical manufacturer. On the other hand, some consumables come mainly from Morocco, India or China. Concerning technical equipment (medical imaging, biotechnology, surgical instruments, diagnostics and operating room), the majority of international manufacturers are present in Ivory Coast, either via a direct presence or via a partnership with a local distributor. The major international manufacturers share exclusive distributions via several large distributors, relying on their mastery of the market and local logistics.
In this regard, the National Health Development Plan 2021-2025 reiterates the actions of the Ivorian government in favor of the development of the health sector. The plan provides for the construction and equipping of a university hospital, 10 regional hospitals and 10 general hospitals. Construction of specialty centers is also planned: traumatology centers (operating room, MVA care, functional rehabilitation). Major constructors specialized in the supply of turnkey solutions for all types of healthcare facilities, such as Elsmed, are awarded these contracts thanks to their recognized expertise and the quality of their partners. They are always on the lookout for new partnerships and exclusive distribution contracts that will diversify them from their competitors.
Human Resources needs
The international recruitment firm Phénicia Conseil is solicited by Ivorian companies for recruitment needs, particularly in the medical equipment distribution sector. The profiles sought are company executives who combine technical and commercial skills.
In the medicine sector, medical representatives are highly sought after by international groups specializing in the manufacture of respiratory drugs, antibiotics and vaccines.
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