Public and private hospitals in the capital of the Atsimo Andrefana region are suffering from a lack of medical specialists, with working conditions and remuneration cited as primary causes.
Anne-Marie Andrianasolo, a septuagenarian, visited the free consultations provided by the NGO “Les Médecins de l’océan Indien” at the Tanambao Hospital in Toliara, which is hosting the organization from October 7 to 17. She sought a rheumatologist for her knee and foot pain but was redirected to a general practitioner due to the absence of such specialists in the city.
Other patients, including a foreign resident seeking a cardiologist and a woman seeking an oncologist, highlighted the severe lack of specialized care in Toliara, often forcing residents to travel to Fianarantsoa or Antananarivo. Despite the NGO’s 74th humanitarian mission providing up to 500 consultations daily, the underlying issue of specialist retention remains.
An administrative source at Tanambao Hospital confirmed the shortage, noting that the facility lacks cardiologists, rheumatologists, and orthopedists. The source explained that specialists are often discouraged by the financial conditions offered by the Ministry of Health, leading many to prefer the capital or to move abroad, where they can earn significantly higher wages.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the few specialists available often split their time between public hospitals and private clinics, yet the overall capacity remains insufficient. Experts suggest that improving financial and social working conditions and enhancing medical training are urgent steps to prevent Toliara from relying solely on paramedical staff for healthcare.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-09 06:09:26 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/sante-toliara-face-au-manque-de.html