Implementing a comprehensive cost information system in rural health facilities: the case of Nouna health district- Burkina Faso.

OBJECTIVES: To present first findings of a cost-of-illness (COI) information system implemented in Nouna health district- Burkina Faso. The entire project will include household and provider tangible COI- whereas this article concentrates on the development of a provider cost information system in rural first-line health facilities. METHOD: Special forms and reports are prepared to routinely collect capital and recurrent costs of first-line facilities. Inventory lists are designed- and buildings and equipment are assessed by engineers. Total- fixed- variable and average costs are calculated for 15 rural health centres with five cost centres: general outpatient consultation- ambulatory nursing care- deliveries- immunization and other services (neonatal consultation- child care and family planning). RESULTS: In 2003- the average costs per service unit were 1.34 US$ for a general consultation- 0.51 US$ for ambulatory nursing care- 6.73 US$ per delivery- 3.64 US$ per vaccination and 1.11 US$ per service unit of o