Prices of essential generic medicines and medical consumables in Burkina Faso have been falling since 26 May 2025. At a press briefing, the Minister of Health, Robert Kargougou, said that this reduction in prices marks the entry into force of new measures aimed at making medicines and health products more accessible to the population.
Since 26 May 2026, the public selling prices (PPS) of essential generic medicines, medical consumables and certain vaccines in Burkina Faso have been reduced throughout the country. This decision is in line with the Burkinabe Head of State’s desire to reduce healthcare costs for Burkinabe, and aims to strengthen universal access to quality healthcare.
The vision is to ensure that all Burkinabè, and especially ordinary Burkinabè, have equitable access to quality health and nutrition care and services for their well-being. As part of the government’s health policy, the availability and affordability of health products remain very important.
ROBERT KARGOUGOU, Minister of Health – Burkina Faso
This decision comes at a time when the Essential Generic Medicines (CAMEG), which became a state-owned company in March 2024, has stepped up its efforts to improve the availability of pharmaceutical products. As a result, the availability rate of tracer products rose from 45% to 75% in April 2025, with a target of 90% by June. On the price side, the reductions are palpable. Up to 46% off tablets; 55% off injectable forms; between 1% and 20% off syrups; and up to 25% off other pharmaceutical forms.
Firstly, the margin rate for essential generic drugs and medical consumables for public and conventional health facilities has been reduced. To achieve this, the margin rate for district distribution depots has been reduced from 7.7% to 6%, with the average product margin set at 4.31%.
ROBERT KARGOUGOU, Minister of Health – Burkina Faso
To guarantee the availability and accessibility of medicines in Burkina Faso, a number of measures have been taken since the Central Purchasing Office for Essential Generic Medicines (CAMEG) was transformed into a state-owned company in March 2024. These include the introduction of emergency supply plans. According to the Minister of Health, the regulations currently in force may lead to an annual or even half-yearly review of prices. Following these reviews, prices could be further reduced.
