Financial Cost of Cardiovascular Surgery in Côte d'Ivoire: A Retrospective Analysis of 124 Procedures

The question this study addressed: This study analyzed the cost structure of 124 cardiac and vascular procedures performed at two major teaching hospitals in Côte d'Ivoire, isolating expenditures for pharmacy, operating room, and hospitalization, while evaluating the level of social coverage for patients. What the study adds to our knowledge: The study demonstrates that the average procedure cost ($5,669) is entirely disconnected from local purchasing power, peaking at $9,643 for valve surgery. It reveals that over 50% of the bill is attributable to pharmacy costs alone (consumables and drugs). Most alarmingly, 86% of patients bear these costs out-of-pocket, without any health insurance. This publication is available in full in Health Sciences and Disease.