Benin Launches Toll-Free Hotline for Reporting Health Facility Misconduct

New Hotline to Combat Healthcare Abuses

The Ministry of Health in Benin officially launched a new toll-free hotline on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, providing citizens with a direct channel to report abuses and misconduct within the nation's health facilities. The dedicated number, 01 91 44 44 44, is intended to improve service quality and uphold patient rights across both public and private healthcare institutions.

This initiative comes in response to recurrent issues such as poor patient reception, illicit charges, and the unauthorized sale of medicines reported in various health centers. The government's objective is to strengthen transparency within the healthcare sector and ensure that all citizens have equitable access to quality care.

Mechanism and Objectives

The newly established hotline allows users to submit complaints through various means, including audio and written messages, with a specific mention of WhatsApp functionality. Authorities have assured that both the confidentiality of callers and the swift processing of reported incidents will be guaranteed. According to the Ministry of Health, this mechanism is designed to collect real-time information, identify shortcomings, and trigger rapid corrective measures.

Key objectives of the hotline include:

• Strengthening transparency in the health sector.
• Improving the quality of services offered to citizens.
• Protecting and reinforcing patient rights.
• Ensuring the rapid treatment of complaints.
• Restoring confidence between the population and health structures.
• Promoting the accountability of medical personnel.

Government's Commitment to Healthcare Improvement

The launch of this hotline is a significant step in the government's broader strategy to enhance the national healthcare system. Prof. Benjamin Hounkpatin, the Minister of Health, has been a key figure in these efforts. The information gathered through the hotline will also be utilized by the Authority for the Regulation of the Health Sector (ARS), an independent body tasked with overseeing the quality and effectiveness of health services in Benin. The ARS will be empowered to conduct inspections, investigations, and propose sanctions against non-compliant establishments. This comprehensive approach aims to combat malpractices and ensure a more reliable and patient-centric healthcare environment in Benin.