With more than 53% of the population now covered, as compared to 10% only a decade ago, Senegal is confirming its progress toward universal health coverage.
The country now aims to reach 75% coverage by 2029 to ensure equitable access to healthcare across the national territory, said a statement from the United Nations Development Programme.
These advances are part of the digital transformation led by the National Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SEN-CSU), now the national health insurance fund.
To simplify enrolment, premium payments and the management of those enrolled, the Agency has modernised its central management system and rolled out several digital solutions: the SEN CSU mobile app; the national platform for universal health coverage management; the GESTAM mutual health fund management system; the SITFAC billing monitoring system; and the EDIRAMU enrolment and risk-management tool.
These digital tools and awareness campaigns allow citizens to register remotely, renew their benefits, pay their premiums via mobile money and track their coverage status in real time. The diaspora can also sponsor insured persons in Senegal from abroad, further expanding access to the system.
“We are gradually phasing out cash payments to build a model rooted in trust and efficiency. The health insurance card with a QR code, now recognized nationwide, ensures access to care without financial or administrative barriers,” said Dr El Hadji Séga Guèye, Director-General of the National Agency for Universal Health Coverage.