Getting a health check-up in Dakar: a practical guide

Getting a health check-up in Dakar is straightforward once you know the routine: see a general practitioner, get a prescription for tests, then go to a lab, usually on an empty stomach. To find a facility near you, browse our directory of labs, clinics and hospitals in Dakar.

Start with a general practitioner

The smartest first move is a consultation with a GP. The doctor reviews your history, checks your blood pressure and weight, and decides which tests actually make sense for you, which saves money on unnecessary lab work.

• Private practices and clinics are easy to find in Plateau, Point E, Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur, Almadies and Ngor. A consultation typically costs between 10,000 and 25,000 FCFA depending on the area and type of facility.
• Public hospitals and health centres in Fann, Pikine, Guédiawaye, Rufisque or Keur Massar charge a lower consultation fee, though waiting times can be longer.
• Bring your paperwork: previous results, vaccination record and a list of any medication you take. If you live abroad, a recent check-up report from home is very helpful.

The usual blood tests

What you get tested for always depends on the prescription, but a basic panel often includes:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to spot anaemia or infection.
• Fasting blood sugar, important since diabetes is common in Senegal.
• Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides).
• Creatinine for kidney function, sometimes liver enzymes too.
• Urine test, plus a malaria test if you have a fever, especially during the rainy season from July to October.

As a rough guide, a basic blood panel at a private lab often falls between 20,000 and 60,000 FCFA, and the bill grows quickly with hormone tests or serology. Always ask for a quote before the sample is taken.

Preparing properly: fasting and timing

Many tests require you to fast for 8 to 12 hours: no food, no sweet coffee, just water. Plan to arrive early in the morning, as labs get busy at opening time, particularly at the start of the month.

A few practical tips:

• During Ramadan, plan the blood draw with your doctor, since fasting can affect some results.
• Avoid rush hour on the VDN, the toll highway or the Corniche if you are coming from Diamniadio, Rufisque or Parcelles Assainies.
• Always have your results interpreted by a doctor. A value outside the reference range does not automatically mean illness.

Tests by age and profile

Your doctor will tailor the check-up to you. As general information only:

• Under 40: blood pressure, blood sugar, CBC and a lipid profile are often enough, unless there is a family history.
• Over 40: an ECG and closer monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol are commonly suggested.
• Women: cervical screening, plus a mammogram or breast ultrasound depending on age.
• Men over 50: a PSA test may be discussed with the doctor.

Insurance and mutual health cover

Check your coverage first. Employees are often covered through an IPM (company health scheme), civil servants get partial coverage, and many families join a community mutual health scheme under Senegal's universal health coverage programme. Expat health plans and some travel insurance policies include an annual check-up. Keep every receipt and prescription for reimbursement, and ask whether the facility offers direct billing.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• BIOLAB7 : medical laboratory, Cité Keur Gorgui
• SOLABSEN : medical laboratory, Dakar
• Institut Pasteur Annexe VDN : medical laboratory, VDN
• Laboratoire De Souza : medical laboratory, Plateau
• Centre Hospitalier Abass Ndao de Dakar : hospital, Fann

To compare more options, see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Route planner to reach the lab without wasting time.
• Practical guide: emergency numbers, transport and everyday info.
• FCFA currency converter for visitors and the diaspora.
• Further reading: how to choose a medical lab in Dakar and our guide to clinics in Dakar.

This article is for information only: for any question about your health, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, call SAMU on 1515 or the fire brigade on 18.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a prescription for a blood test in Dakar?

Most labs will run tests without one, but a doctor's prescription is still recommended. It targets the right tests and makes reimbursement by your IPM, mutual scheme or insurer easier.

How long should I fast before a blood test?

Usually 8 to 12 hours, drinking only water. The lab or your doctor will confirm the instructions for the specific tests prescribed.

How often should I get a check-up?

For a healthy adult, every one to two years is a common recommendation, more often after 40 or with a family history. Consult a healthcare professional to decide what suits you.