Teledermatology in Bobo-Dioulasso: Photo-Based Triage and Teleconsultation in 2026

Teledermatology in Bobo-Dioulasso: meeting strong demand with few specialists

In Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso s second city, patients with skin problems (fungal infections, eczema, infections, reactions, lesion monitoring) are numerous, but dermatologists are rare. The result: long delays, risky self-medication at the pharmacy, and simple cases occupying slots that should go to complex ones.

Bobo-Dioulasso teledermatology offers an elegant answer. Skin is, by nature, a specialty where the photo is highly informative. A patient can send clear photos of a lesion, answer a few questions, and receive an opinion: either treatment directly, a referral to a video teleconsultation, or a call to an in-person visit for cases that require it. This is the principle of photo-based triage.

This model unclogs the rare dermatology slots, speeds up the handling of simple cases, and reserves the specialist s time for situations that deserve it. Here is how to build it.

H2: Photo-based triage, the heart of the system

The journey is designed to filter and route efficiently:

• The patient creates a request: they describe their problem, its duration, their history, and attach several photos following a capture guide (light, distance, angles).
• The system checks photo quality and prompts retakes if they are blurry or poorly framed.
• The dermatologist reviews the request and decides: opinion and treatment by message, video teleconsultation to go deeper, or in-person referral.
• The patient pays for the matching service via Moov Money or Orange Money Burkina.
• The prescription or advice is sent as PDF, and the case is kept in the history.

The capture guide is essential: diagnosis quality depends on photo quality. A good tool helps the patient get them right.

H2: Three service levels suited to dermatology

The model s strength is offering several levels by complexity:

• Photo opinion (asynchronous): the patient sends photos, the dermatologist replies within an announced time (for example 24 to 48h). Lowest fee, ideal for simple cases.
• Video teleconsultation: for cases needing an exchange, an in-depth history or a demonstration. Intermediate fee.
• In-person referral: when a physical exam, biopsy or procedure is needed. The platform prepares the visit and forwards the file.

This gradation serves many patients at low cost while reserving the specialist s precious time.

H2: Moov Money and Orange Money Burkina payment

In Bobo-Dioulasso, mobile payment is the natural way to settle. Fees align with the service level:

• Photo opinion: accessible fee, for example 3,000 to 7,000 FCFA.
• Video teleconsultation: 8,000 to 15,000 FCFA.
• In-person referral: practice fee, possibly with deduction of the already-paid opinion.

Collection is done via the Moov Money and Orange Money Burkina APIs, before the service. For a dermatologist, it is a significant additional revenue that monetizes cases they could not handle for lack of slots.

H2: Quality, security and limits

Teledermatology has rules to respect to stay credible:

• Photo confidentiality: skin images are sensitive health data, encrypted, accessible only to the practitioner, never reused.
• Consent of the patient to sending photos and to remote treatment.
• Clear limits: some lesions (suspected skin cancer, evolving lesions) require an in-person visit. The dermatologist routes accordingly.
• Practice reserved for dermatologists and authorized professionals registered with the Board.

A clear framework protects the patient, the practitioner, and the platform s credibility.

H2: Cost and launch

• Launch version: request with guided photos, dermatologist triage, mobile payment, PDF reply. Between 2.5 and 4.5 million FCFA, delivered in 6 to 9 weeks.
• Full version: integrated video teleconsultation, mobile app, rich history, multi-practitioner. Between 6 and 11 million FCFA.
• Maintenance: 130,000 to 350,000 FCFA per month.

The most effective approach is to start with the photo opinion (the simplest and most requested), validate usage, then add video teleconsultation. Many cases resolve at the first level, which proves value quickly.

FAQ

How does photo diagnosis work in teledermatology?

The patient sends clear photos of the lesion following a capture guide, describes the problem, and the dermatologist gives an opinion: treatment by message, video teleconsultation or in-person referral. Photo quality determines the quality of the opinion.

Can everything be treated by photo?

No. Simple cases are handled well by photo, but some lesions (suspected skin cancer, evolving lesions, needed procedures) require an in-person exam. The platform must clearly route to in-person visits when required.

How is payment handled in Bobo-Dioulasso?

Via Moov Money and Orange Money Burkina, before the service. Fees align with the service level: photo opinion (3,000 to 7,000 FCFA), video teleconsultation (8,000 to 15,000 FCFA), in-person referral at the practice fee.

How much does a teledermatology platform cost?

A launch version (request with guided photos, triage, mobile payment, PDF reply) costs between 2.5 and 4.5 million FCFA, delivered in 6 to 9 weeks. The full version with video teleconsultation and a mobile app ranges from 6 to 11 million FCFA.

Are skin photos well protected?

They must be: they are sensitive health data, encrypted, accessible only to the practitioner following the patient, never reused for other purposes. The patient s consent to sending photos is collected.

Let us discuss your project. If you are a dermatologist or clinic in Bobo-Dioulasso and want a teledermatology platform with photo diagnosis and mobile payment, we design it for you. Message us on WhatsApp at +221 77 596 93 33.