Butanyerera : the drug crisis exposes the flaws in the healthcare system

SOS Médias Burundi

Butanyerera, May 15, 2026 – Complaints are multiplying among members of the Public Service Mutuality company (MFP) and holders of health insurance cards in Butanyerera province, northern Burundi. The cause : a persistent shortage of certain medications in several hospitals and health centers in the region.

According to several patients interviewed on site, this situation forces them to turn to private pharmacies where they denounce unfair and discriminatory treatment.

“When the medication is expensive and we present our health insurance card or MFP card, pharmacists often tell us that the product is not available. But when someone comes to pay in cash, they are served immediately,” testifies a civil servant, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Residents accuse certain pharmacies of hoarding the most expensive medications, reserving them exclusively for customers who can pay in cash.

Contributions without benefits, denounce civil servants

Frustration is particularly high among civil servants who contribute monthly to the health insurance company but say they are no longer receiving the expected benefits in return.

“We pay our contributions regularly, but when we get sick, we can’t find the medications we need. It’s very discouraging,” laments a teacher from the province.

Other insured individuals also denounce the scarcity of specialized medications in partner pharmacies and some public health facilities.

“In several pharmacies, only generic versions are available. Specialized medications are almost impossible to find,” explains a mother encountered at a health center.

A situation that worries healthcare professionals

Faced with this shortage, some healthcare professionals are raising the alarm about the health consequences for the most vulnerable patients.

“This shortage of medication is particularly endangering for people with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and children who require regular and specific treatments,” a healthcare worker confided.

Some members are even accusing the authorities of failing to guarantee sufficient supplies despite the monthly contributions paid by insured individuals.

“We feel like we’re paying for services we’re not receiving,” lamented another MFP member.

The Ministry of Health promises solutions

Regarding this shortage, the Minister of Public Health, Fidèle Nkezabahizi, stated last week that measures were underway to resolve this supply problem.

Despite these assurances, MFP members and health insurance card holders say they are waiting for concrete actions to put an end to what they describe as an alarming situation.