Ivory Coast introduces mobile enrollment for universal health coverage program amidst criticism
- Ivory Coast health authorities have launched mobile enrollment centers for the country's universal health coverage program.
- The program has faced criticism over glitches.
- Despite the criticism, Ivory Coast moves forward with mobile enrollment for health coverage.
Health authorities in Ivory Coast have introduced mobile enrollment centers for the country's universal health coverage program, which has faced criticism since its establishment in 2019 due to challenges in accessing benefits. Despite being one of the few countries in West Africa offering such a program, participants have encountered issues like vouchers not being accepted at pharmacies, leading to out-of-pocket expenses. The new mobile centers aim to simplify enrollment and provide immediate access to healthcare services at various facilities nationwide. Residents like Bruno Agnissan and Samuel Touffet have expressed concerns about the program's effectiveness, citing difficulties in using their CMU cards at pharmacies and hospitals. Agnissan shared an incident where he was unable to obtain medicine for his son at a pharmacy despite being given a voucher at a hospital. Touffet echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the confusion surrounding which pharmacies accept the card and where it can be effectively utilized. These challenges have raised doubts among participants about the value and reliability of the program. The mobile enrollment centers are strategically located in markets and remote areas to facilitate enrollment and distribution of cards on the spot, enabling individuals to access healthcare services promptly. Agnissan's visit to an enrollment center seeking guidance on card usage underscores the need for clearer information and support for program beneficiaries. Touffet's quest for updated coverage information reflects a broader sentiment among participants seeking clarity on how to maximize the benefits of the universal health program. Despite the program's ambitious goal of enrolling 20 million Ivorians by the year's end, the concerns raised by residents like Agnissan and Touffet highlight existing challenges in ensuring seamless access to healthcare services under the universal health coverage program in Ivory Coast. The mobile enrollment centers represent a step towards addressing these issues and improving the overall effectiveness and accessibility of the program for all participants.