Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are treatable in Madagascar, but the high cost of care places many families in difficult situations.
According to doctors, there is no fixed cost for treating chronic diseases as it depends on the stage of the illness and the type of medication used. While early-stage treatment may involve simple lifestyle changes and a single medication, advanced stages require multiple drugs, significantly increasing the financial burden.
Dr. José Tiana from Amadia notes that for a type 2 diabetes patient, consultations and blood sugar tests cost between 10,000 and 20,000 ariary, while monthly medication can range from 40,000 to 60,000 ariary. These costs are compounded by the need for specialized care, such as cardiologists or neurologists, and potential complications like amputations.
The financial strain is particularly evident for families like that of Fidisoa Ravoavahy, a retired pastor who suffered a stroke. His monthly medication costs 150,000 ariary, and he has had to forgo physical therapy sessions costing 240,000 ariary per month due to a lack of funds. Similarly, farmers like Mamitiana Randrianantenaina from Antsirabe have had to consider selling land to cover the 800,000 ariary spent on a single month of treatment.
Access to specialized care remains a challenge, as advanced diagnostics like scanners are only available in major cities, forcing patients from remote regions to incur additional travel, food, and lodging expenses. For severe heart conditions requiring open-heart surgery, patients must often be evacuated abroad, a process costing approximately 16,000 euros (about 77 million ariary).
Medical professionals emphasize that while treatments are available, the escalating costs associated with disease progression underscore the critical importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent these chronic conditions.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-30 06:08:54 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/sante-le-traitement-des-maladies.html