Health and Nutrition

Koupela Hospital : health insurance for the poor

“In 2002, we came to realize that the cost of obstetrical and surgical emergencies had become a critical issue” Dr. Isabelle Biboka, chief of Koupela Hospital, explains. “We informed UNICEF and they helped us to conduct a survey among the community. It revealed a real need for financial assistance”, she adds.
Therefore, the Nayolsba Association was created. Nayolsba means ''which relieves". Its goal was to establish a mutual insurance system within the province of Kourintega. It took some time for the project to become operational.  First, each village had to name a representative. Then, a workshop, supervised by UNICEF, was organized. When the workshop was completed, the 274 representatives unanimously, decided that each person should contribute 25 francs per year to the Association. Thanks to this contribution, Nayolsba pays 60% of the hospital bills of its members. The remainder must be paid by the patient.

Ramata Diala is a 30 year old woman who is benefiting from this system. She had a Cesarean section yesterday morning. “Without the help of the Association, I don’t know what I would have done. I couldn’t afford to pay 70 000 francs for this treatment. Now, I need to pay 15 000 francs. It’s a lot but I think I can find the money”. The Association may cover 100% of the hospital bills for people living in extreme poverty.
This morning, Aminata Kabré arrived at the hospital, in a terrible state, ready to give birth. Her child wasn’t positioned well and a C-section had to be performed quickly. Dr. Isabelle Bibika didn’t hesitate and immediately operated. “They can hardly afford to eat, so there is no way they could pay for the surgery” she says.

The Association needs to grow and an awareness campaign has been launched. Members travel to neighboring villages to inform people of the purpose and benefits of the Association. To encourage others to become members, they often take with them people who were helped by the Association. Radio programs, meetings with the Authorities as well as health education of the community, are also organized. “Today, I notice that people aren’t as afraid of the hospital and are more willing to go” says Rasmani, president of Nayolsba.
UNICEF pays for logistics.

...Other real lives to go through-->>