Where can I get an MRI, CT scan or X-ray in Djibouti?
Call before you cross town: is the scan done that day, and how long is the wait? SOM Clinique advertises same-day results. CNSS members have their scans at the Specialised Care Centre or in Arta, biometric card in hand.
| Facility | Area | Scans | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peltier General Hospital (CHU) | Plateau du Serpent | MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound | +253 21 35 27 12 | Hospital open 24/7 |
| Clinique Le Héron | Héron | MRI, X-ray | +253 21 34 55 13 | Emergency 24/7 |
| SOM Clinique | Rue d’Athènes | CT, X-ray, ultrasound | +253 21 33 50 15 | 7 am–11 pm |
| Al Rahma Hospital | Hodan, Balbala | Radiology | +253 21 36 41 13 | Radiology 24/7 |
| Cheiko Hospital (CHU) | Balbala | Radiology | +253 21 36 08 38 | Hospital open 24/7 |
| Al Shifa Hospital | Route de Venise | Radiology, imaging | +253 21 32 85 00 | Sun–Thu, 8 am–9 pm |
| CNSS Specialised Care Centre | Boulevard de Gaulle | Radiology | +253 21 35 03 21 (CNSS switchboard) | Sun–Thu, 8 am–1 pm, 2.30–5 pm |
| Arta regional hospital (CNSS) | Arta | CT, X-ray, ultrasound | +253 21 33 18 73 | On CNSS referral |
How much does an MRI or CT scan cost?
Private facilities have no official fee, but each must display its prices, so ask for the total, report included, before you book. AMU and PASS card holders are covered at public hospitals.
| Scan | Public fee |
|---|---|
| Standard or dental panoramic X-ray | 2,000 DJF |
| Ultrasound, including of the heart | 5,000 DJF |
| CT scan | 20,000 DJF |
| MRI | 35,000 DJF |
Do I need a prescription for a CT or MRI scan?
Yes: no written request from a doctor, no CT or MRI. The request says which area to scan and why. Bring any previous scans of the same area too, whether films, CDs or reports.
No request yet? Medyc arranges a video consultation with a doctor, from 3,000 DJF, who writes it if the scan is needed; the team then books the scan at a partner facility.
What should I tell the team before the scan?
- Metal
- Before an MRI, mention a pacemaker, surgical clips or any metal in your body, and take off jewellery, keys and coins.
- Pregnancy
- Say so before an X-ray or CT scan, even if you are not sure.
Your questions, answered
Where can I get an MRI in Djibouti?
At Peltier General Hospital (CHU) on the Plateau du Serpent, or at Clinique Le Héron. At the public fee, an MRI costs 35,000 DJF.
Where can I get a CT scan in Djibouti?
At Peltier General Hospital, which has two scanners, at SOM Clinique in the city centre, or at Arta regional hospital for CNSS members. The public fee is 20,000 DJF.
Do I need to fast before a CT scan?
Sometimes, especially if contrast dye is injected. The department tells you when you book: follow its instructions.
Where can I get an ultrasound in Djibouti?
In the radiology department of a public hospital, for 5,000 DJF, or at SOM Clinique, which gives results the same day.
Sources & further reading
- CHU de Djibouti: Peltier General Hospital (MRI, CT, radiology)
- CHU de Djibouti: Cheiko Hospital (radiology)
- Clinique Le Héron: equipment (MRI, X-ray)
- SOM Clinique: CT, X-ray, ultrasound, same-day results
- Al Rahma Hospital: 24/7 radiology
- Al Shifa Hospital: specialties and hours
- CNSS: Specialised Care Centre (radiology)
- CNSS: Arta regional hospital (CT, radiology, ultrasound)
- Official Journal: Decree 2017-114/PR/MS on fees at Ministry of Health facilities (article 16)
- Official Journal: Decree 2024-219/PR/MS on private health facilities (fee display, article 32)
- NHS: MRI scan
- NHS: CT scan
- Medyc: appointments at partner facilities
This guide explains how to organise care. It does not provide a diagnosis or individual medical advice. How we write our guides
