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Unaffordable or cost‐effective?: introducing an emergency referral system in rural Niger
Author(s) -
Bossyns Paul,
Abache Ranaou,
Abdoulaye Mahaman Sani,
Lerberghe Wim Van
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2005.01459.x
Subject(s) - referral , investment (military) , business , medical emergency , operations management , total cost , medicine , health care , environmental health , economic growth , engineering , economics , nursing , accounting , politics , political science , law
Summary Objectives An important investment was made in two health districts in Niger to organize an emergency referral system. This study estimates its impact and cost‐effectiveness in relation with external determinants. Methods After installing a solar radio network in the health centres, emergency calls and related data were monitored over 7 years and investment and recurrent costs for the system were estimated. Results The number of emergency calls increased significantly in both districts. In 2003, the total yearly cost for the district amounted to US$ 14 147, the cost per useful and successful call was US$ 49 and the cost per inhabitant and per year was about US$ 0.06. Conclusion The impressive and immediate impact on the health system, the relatively low recurrent cost and the minimal management requirements for the health service make the investment very worthwhile. Organizing emergency evacuation systems should be a priority for any health district in the world.