Healthcare expenses are becoming difficult for some families to bear. The cost of medication adds to the burden of medical tests, consultations, and other fees incurred when a loved one falls ill. In hospitals, families sometimes face multiple expenses simultaneously.
“We currently have a sick relative, and purchasing medication represents a significant portion of our expenses,” a family member testified. With daily needs, particularly food, some families struggle to allocate more money toward medical care.
To reduce these costs, some people are turning to traditional medicine. Massages and the use of medicinal plants are among the chosen practices. “Massage therapy and traditional medicine are less expensive. You can then return home without having to bear hospital fees and other costs, aside from the amount paid to the practitioner,” one interviewee explained.
Self-medication is also a common practice. Some individuals take medication directly or use plants without undergoing a medical consultation.
This reality persists as drug prices remain tied to several factors. Lee Rindra Raoelinavalona, President of the Order of Pharmacists, explains that most medicines are imported. The depreciation of the ariary leads to price increases. Rates also depend on the purchase price from wholesalers, who may have different suppliers. However, generic drugs are available.
Between hospital expenses, medication, and daily needs, families are adapting their choices according to their means and possibilities.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-21 05:38:50 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/sante-publique-les-prix-des-medicaments.html