New health center in Medina Yéro Foulah: 1.9 billion CFA francs to bring healthcare closer to the population

In Medina Yéro Foulah, the hope for improved access to healthcare is taking shape. The project to build a modern health center, part of the National Program for Strengthening Health Infrastructure, is about to begin. "A major step forward for this border district, which has long faced a shortage of healthcare services adapted to a population estimated at over 185,000 inhabitants." This is at least the opinion of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene in a technical document obtained by Seneweb.

Until now, the document states, "health services operated in the premises of a former health post, which was insufficient to meet the growing needs." Located nearly two hours from the Kolda regional hospital, the area suffers from a remoteness that complicates the handling of emergencies and cases requiring specialized care. The future health center aims to change this situation.

Built on a 2-hectare site, with a footprint of nearly 3,000 m², the infrastructure will be entirely single-story. This architectural choice aims to facilitate access for everyone, particularly people with reduced mobility, while optimizing the flow of patients and staff.

Conceived as a true center of excellence, the facility will integrate several essential services: "General consultations, maternity, pediatrics, operating room, first-line emergency care, laboratory, imaging, pharmacy, as well as units dedicated to prevention and vaccination." Ultimately, "it will offer a hospitalization capacity of 35 beds, with spaces dedicated to medicine, surgery, and reproductive health."

Beyond providing healthcare services, the project also includes support infrastructure, such as administrative offices, a kitchen, a laundry, a morgue, and housing for healthcare staff. This organization is designed to guarantee the continuity and quality of services.

The construction contract, awarded to SOGECAM for over 1.9 billion CFA francs, is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Finance and Budget. This is a crucial administrative step before the actual commencement of work.

For the people of Medina Yéro Foulah and the surrounding areas, this project represents much more than just infrastructure. It embodies a concrete response to a health emergency, but also a promise: that of equitable access to quality care, as close as possible to the communities, the technical note concludes.