In Koumpentoum, a town in the Tambacounda region, the department's health district, which covers 24 health posts, has only one operating theatre for all emergencies.

"We also have blood problems because the health center has neither a blood bank nor a blood depot. We are therefore forced to call the Koungheul health center or the Tambacounda regional hospital for help. These patients often arrive with anemia and complications. Sometimes, we are forced to refer them without being able to take the necessary measures," according to Dr. Amadou Diallo, who spoke last Thursday during the press caravan organized by the Association of Journalists in Health, Population and Development ( Ajspd ), in partnership with the Directorate of Maternal and Child Health (Dsme) at the Ministry of Health and Social Action.

The doctor, who is skilled in emergency obstetric and neonatal care (Sonu), insisted on blood transfusions for patient care. "Especially when it comes to blood, the state could help us have at least one blood bank or blood reserve. This would greatly relieve the burden on the population of Koumpentoum."

Before emphasizing that they are the only structure at the departmental level. "That's why we are overwhelmed by emergencies. People live very far away and accessibility is poor. Hence the many cases. The sick don't have the means to go to Tambacounda, which is more than 100 km from here."

Furthermore, Dr. Diallo explained that many cesarean sections are performed, on average around ten per week, in addition to prophylactic measures. Other procedures are also performed in the operating room. "These are what we call surgical interventions. We often organize surgical camps for gynecological surgeries as well as some urological surgeries," he said.

It's the same for women with fistulas. There, the health district collaborates with the gynecologist at the Tambacounda regional hospital. "These are patients who are often listed, and we often call the gynecologist to try to take them to Koumpentoum," he explains.

What about human resources? The doctor retorts, "We only have two Sonu doctors. We have nurses. We only have one anesthesiologist and one operating assistant for the entire department in the district," he added.

Dr. Amadou Diallo also recalled that the Koumpentoum health district is facing numerous difficulties which mean that they cannot ensure the frequency of patient care.