News: The importance of a health fund for universal coverage in DR Congo
The creation of the National Council for Universal Coverage (CNCU) in DR Congo, by Ordinance No. 21/032 of June 1, 2021, has sparked many debates about its ability to ensure optimal health coverage for all. The current implementation of the CNCU seems to be experiencing difficulties, and it is crucial to examine more closely the technical issues surrounding its creation, its operation and the management of the diseases to be covered.
It should be emphasized that universal health coverage, as advocated by the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, is a laudable initiative aimed at providing accessible health care to all. However, the CNCU has shortcomings in terms of resources and sustainability. It is important to note that the CNCU does not guarantee free care, but aims to avoid direct payment so as not to further impoverish households in difficulty.
However, it is legitimate to wonder whether the creation of a dedicated health fund would not be a better approach to achieve the objective of universal health coverage. The establishment of a “National Health Fund” could be a major support to ensure the reliable and viable execution of this vision of the Head of State.
Considering that the service providers, taxable persons and their beneficiaries of the existing social security funds (CNSS and CNSSAP) already represent more than 30% of the population, it is logical to extend the action of this new health fund to the rest of the population. It is legitimate to maintain that everyone contributes indirectly through taxes and levies, thus justifying a levy on these taxes to feed the “National Health Fund” and strengthen its resources.
It is important to emphasize that health care is an integral part of social security in many countries, and it is undeniable that its coverage has a significant humanitarian impact. However, the resources needed to ensure the quality and sustainability of this branch of social security can be a challenge.
A fusion of technical data on providers and beneficiaries of existing social security funds (CNSS and CNSSAP) could serve as an initial basis for the establishment of the “National Health Fund”. This would gradually ensure universal health coverage for active workers, retirees and their dependents under the two existing social security schemes.
It is encouraging to note that material and intellectual efforts can be made to gradually materialize this vision of the Head of State and to face global challenges. An inclusive and accountable approach to improving access to healthcare for all citizens of the DR Congo.
In conclusion, the creation of a dedicated health fund, such as the “National Health Fund”, could be a more viable solution to achieve the goal of universal health coverage in DR Congo. It is essential to explore this option further and to carry out an in-depth reflection on its operation, its management of financial resources and its capacity to provide quality health care to all. Concerted action by authorities and civil society can help ensure effective and equitable universal health coverage for all Congolese