Hospitalization Costs for COVID-19 in Ethiopia: Empirical Data and Analysis from Addis Ababa's Largest Dedicated Treatment Center
2022
This study examines the comprehensive costs of hospitalization for COVID-19 disease at Ekka Kotebe COVID-19 treatment center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the largest dedicated hospital for COVID-19 patient care in the country. Through retrospective collection and analysis of clinical and cost data from March to November 2020, including personnel time, drugs, medical supplies, and facility utilities, the study estimates the cost per treated COVID-19 episode stratified by disease severity. Over the study period, 2,543 COVID-19 cases were treated, with varying durations of stay and costs depending on disease severity. The mean cost per treated episode was USD 1,473, with costs higher for severe and critical cases. The findings underscore the significant economic burden COVID-19 management imposes on the Ethiopian health system. Such insights into treatment costs are crucial for resource allocation in low-income settings and emphasize the importance of implementing effective infection prevention and control measures, including widespread vaccination, in mitigating the impact of the pandemic.
Source:
Memirie ST, Yigezu AL, Zewdie SA, Mirkuzie AH, Bolongaita S, Verguet S. Hospitalization Costs for COVID-19 in Ethiopia: Empirical Data and Analysis from Addis Ababa’s Largest Dedicated Treatment Center. PLOS One 2022; 17 (1): e0260930. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260930