Medical evacuation / country guides
Medical evacuation from Burkina Faso to Morocco: what precautions from Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso?
From Burkina Faso, a medical evacuation to Morocco usually departs from Ouagadougou, home to the main international airport; Bobo-Dioulasso, the country’s second city, also has an airport. The country is landlocked and Sahelian: road journeys to the capital can be long, the heat is intense for part of the year, and meningitis is one of the infections to bear in mind. The medical file, generally written in French, can be read directly in Morocco.
Written by the Polycrabat Sevamed team · Published on
In brief
- Departure is from Ouagadougou or, depending on the case, Bobo-Dioulasso; the journey to the airport is part of the transfer.
- Heat, dehydration and recent infections are the main points of vigilance before travelling.
- Burkina Faso is on UTC+0, usually one hour behind Morocco.
Departing from Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso
Ouagadougou handles most international connections. For a patient in hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso, the city’s airport can sometimes be used, particularly for medical transport; otherwise, the road journey to Ouagadougou is made in conditions suited to their condition. For patients from other regions, road travel can be difficult: the safest means is decided with the doctors and the transport operator.
Sahelian heat and the infectious context
During the hot season, the heat exposes vulnerable patients to dehydration during journeys and waiting times. Water, an air-conditioned vehicle where possible and short waiting times reduce this risk.
Burkina Faso lies within the African meningitis belt, and malaria is common there. A fever, stiff neck, infection or recent treatment must be reported: they guide the tests and precautions of the receiving team.
Language of documents and time zone
Medical reports are generally written in French. As Mooré, Dioula and other languages are widely spoken, a companion who understands the patient and speaks French is invaluable. Burkina Faso is on UTC+0; Morocco is on UTC+1 for most of the year and UTC+0 during Ramadan.
The medical file to prepare
- a recent summary from the doctor, with the reason for transfer;
- recent reports and results, dated;
- the imaging files whenever possible;
- current treatments, allergies and any recent fever.
Funding and entry into Morocco
Funding may come from the family, an insurer, an employer or a body, with prior approval requested before departure. Entry requirements for Morocco depend on nationality and change over time: they are checked with the competent Moroccan diplomatic mission or on the official websites of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Preparing the return
The patient leaves with their reports, prescriptions using international non-proprietary names, a supply of treatments protected from the heat and a follow-up schedule for their doctor in Burkina Faso.
Questions to ask before departure
- Will departure be from Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso?
- What precautions against the heat are planned?
- Has the patient had a recent fever or infection?
- Have the entry requirements for Morocco been checked?
- Who will provide follow-up after the return?
What Polycrabat Sevamed can coordinate
Polycrabat Sevamed can receive the file sent from Burkina Faso, have it reviewed by the healthcare professionals concerned, prepare estimates, organise the transfer with specialist operators when medical transport is needed, and then the welcome and admission in Rabat. Medical decisions lie with the doctors.
Frequently asked questions
Can you depart from Bobo-Dioulasso?
Depending on the patient’s condition and the chosen means of transport, Bobo-Dioulasso Airport can be considered, particularly for medical transport.
Can you send your medical file from Burkina Faso?
Yes, by email or WhatsApp, before any travel.
Why report a recent fever?
Because it may indicate malaria or another infection, which must be assessed before travel and will guide the tests on arrival.
This content provides general medical information. It does not replace a consultation or a personalised decision by your care team. In case of serious or sudden symptoms, contact the emergency services in your country or a doctor without delay.
Further reading
Pages of the website related to this guide
Related guides
Would you like a file to be reviewed?
The Polycrabat Sevamed coordination team directs your request to the doctors concerned. It does not make any diagnosis.
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