Title: News in the DRC: Health workers demand better remuneration
Introduction :
At the heart of the news in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), agents and executives of the health sector organized a sit-in at the Ministry of Finance in Kinshasa. Their claim relates to the alignment of the risk premium and the additional pay, which are slow to be paid. In this article, we offer you an overview of this burning news and the challenges facing health workers in the DRC.
Legitimate claims:
The agents of the health sector deplore the non-payment of the additional pay for the second quarter and the lack of alignment of the risk premium for the third quarter of 2023. These delays in the payments cause great frustration among the workers who feel wronged and not recognized at their fair value. They also recall that a strike is not their wish, as it would have a negative impact on the population they strive to serve with dedication.
The desire to support Universal Health Coverage:
Despite their dissatisfaction, health workers underline their commitment to the ambitious program of the President of the Republic in terms of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). They express their socio-professional desire to actively contribute to improving access to care for the entire Congolese population. However, they expect the government to respond to their legitimate demands and ensure decent working conditions for health professionals.
Dialogue as a solution:
The Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention, Dr. Roger Kamba, underlined the government’s desire to promote permanent dialogue with the trade union bench in order to improve the working conditions of health professionals in the DRC. He affirmed that measures will be taken to avoid repeated strikes and ensure better recognition of health workers. However, officers remain vigilant and await concrete action from the competent authorities.
Conclusion :
The situation of health workers in the DRC is a concrete example of the difficulties faced by frontline workers in many countries. Recognition of their work and adequate remuneration are essential elements to ensure strong and effective health systems. Let’s hope that the demands of health workers in the DRC will find a quick solution and that their commitment to Universal Health Coverage will be supported by concrete measures