Caesarean Sections and Free Healthcare: Pharmaceutical Product Kits and Family Contributions at the Regional University Hospital Center of Ouahigouya (RUHC-OHG)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate, in the context of free cesarean sections, the completeness of emergency cesarean kits and the financial contributions made by families in the maternity unit of the Regional University Hospital Center of Ouahigouya in Burkina Faso. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with prospective data collection on cesarean kits provided free of charge to women requiring emergency cesarean sections. Results: A total of 341 pharmaceutical kits for cesarean sections were included. The completeness rate of cesarean kits was 85.21%. Missing items included:Universal surgical kitInjectable tramadolRed povidone-iodine (red betadine)Injectable ceftriaxoneLumbar puncture needleUmbilical cord clampIsotonic salineInjectable ephedrineSurgical gownThe average cost of a cesarean section covered by the free healthcare policy was 59,626.55 CFA francs, while the average cost paid by families in emergencies was 20,212.72 CFA francs, or about one-quarter of the total. Conclusion: Cesarean kits were incomplete in this study. Improving the management and supply of medications and consumables in hospital pharmacies could enhance the effectiveness of the free cesarean care policy.