SANTE : Ce que l’Association des cliniques privées du Sénégal attend des autorités publiques
The private health sector in Senegal now wants to be a force to be reckoned with. Meeting this Saturday, April 18th in Dakar for its ordinary general assembly, the Association of Private Clinics of Senegal clearly stated its ambitions: to restructure, renew its governing bodies, but above all to establish itself as a key player in the country's health policies.
Addressing members from various regions of the country, the association's president, Dr. Serigne Falilou Samb, reviewed a term marked, according to him, by significant progress. "We have structured the association and actively participated in the development of the Senegalese healthcare system," he stated.
A major weight that is still underestimated
The private sector still believes its role in the country's healthcare system is undervalued, despite its significant presence. According to available figures, private clinics provide nearly 50% of daytime care and up to 80% of nighttime care. "After 6 p.m., the majority of emergencies are handled by the private sector," the president emphasized.
With 150 to 200 clinics identified across the country, of which around 100 are legally established, the sector also represents an investment of several hundred billion CFA francs. In Dakar, as well as in regions such as Thiès, Kaolack, and Ziguinchor, private facilities are by far the most numerous.
A feeling of exclusion from public decisions
Despite this weight, the observation remains bitter: the private sector says it is insufficiently involved in strategic decisions. "We have the impression that there is a Ministry of Public Health, but not a Ministry of Health as a whole," lamented the president, pointing to a lack of integration in national health policies.
Another major challenge raised was the illegal practice of medicine. On this point, the president took a firm stance. "This is a legal matter. The profession is strictly regulated, and any practice outside the rules constitutes a serious offense, even a crime," he reiterated, calling for rigorous enforcement of the laws.
Towards a more offensive posture
Faced with these challenges, the association now has a clear ambition: to move from a passive role to a proactive one. The imminent creation of a professional association underscores this desire for change. The goal is to have private clinics fully recognized as major economic players and essential partners in the healthcare system.
“We want to be considered full-fledged investors and establish a framework for consultation with the authorities,” the president explained. This approach aims to strengthen public-private collaboration and improve the effectiveness of health policies in Senegal.
With this new direction, private clinics intend not only to consolidate their position, but also to redefine their influence in a healthcare system seeking performance and balance.
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