In Ouagadougou, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, members of the Union of Public Pharmaceutical Depot Managers and Cashiers of Burkina Faso convened for their sixth general assembly, once again appealing to authorities regarding their challenging working conditions. Their primary demand centers on the adoption of an official status for a profession they deem indispensable to the nation’s healthcare system.
This assembly, held under the theme, “The resilience of volunteers serving the people,” provided a crucial platform for participants to voice their growing concerns over an increasingly precarious situation.
Ousmane Bolly, President of the Union of Public Pharmaceutical Depot Managers and Cashiers of Burkina Faso, highlighted that many managers have dedicated decades to their roles without the benefit of a clearly defined professional framework. “The individuals gathered here have been working for 20 or even 30 years, yet some do not even receive the minimum wage,” he lamented.
The organization proudly represents over 3,000 managers operating across all health districts throughout Burkina Faso.
The critical issue of undefined professional status
For the Union’s leadership, the core problem remains the absence of a regulatory text governing the profession of public pharmaceutical depot manager or cashier. This regulatory void leaves these dedicated workers highly vulnerable, exposing them to what they describe as unfair dismissals when they advocate for improved working conditions.
Ousmane Bolly further revealed that some agents are hesitant to publicly declare their affiliation with the Union, fearing professional repercussions.
Salaries deemed inadequate for daily life
Participants also strongly criticized the meager remuneration provided to these essential workers. With monthly incomes often fluctuating between 20,000 and 25,000 FCFA, they contend that these wages are no longer sufficient to cope with the escalating cost of living in Burkina Faso.
Despite these low earnings, they emphasized that pharmaceutical depot managers are on the front lines daily, ensuring the distribution of vital medicines and attending to patients within healthcare facilities that are frequently overburdened.
Years of persistent advocacy efforts
The Union confirmed its consistent engagement in various initiatives since 2020, all aimed at securing better conditions for its members.
- Numerous meetings have been held with the ministries responsible for Health and Public Service.
- Audiences were sought and granted at the Presidency of Faso.
- Members actively participated in several workshops focused on the management of pharmaceutical structures.
Despite these extensive efforts, the organization’s leaders expressed deep disappointment over the lack of concrete progress. The Union has diligently conducted a comprehensive census of its members, submitting this crucial data to the relevant authorities to streamline the establishment of a regularization framework.
The Union now earnestly calls for greater state involvement in elevating the recognition and value of this profession. They argue that the revenues generated solely by the pharmaceutical depots are insufficient to guarantee a sustainable improvement in their members’ working conditions.
Concluding the general assembly, Ousmane Bolly commended the strong turnout of participants while reiterating a fervent appeal to the authorities for a swift resolution to their pressing concerns.
