Theft of medical equipment at the Kinkenge Reference Health Center, Kongo-Central: an alarming situation for residents
The Kinkenge Reference Health Center, located in the Luozi territory, in the Kongo-Central province, is facing a shortage of medical equipment. The electron microscope, fridge, mattresses, incubators, and other essential equipment are missing. According to the Association of Kinkenge Nationals for Social Development (ARS/KLL-DS), these devices were stolen under the responsibility of the doctors-general directors who succeeded one another at the head of the institution.
This situation endangers the health of hundreds of residents in the Kinkenge region. In the absence of the electron microscope, samples taken from patients for medical analyzes are exposed to the sun. In addition, due to lack of mattresses, patients have to sleep on the metal springs of the beds. This precarious situation has already led to numerous deaths, with patients no longer benefiting from appropriate care.
Faced with this alarming situation, Joseph Mbanzila, president of the Association of Kinkenge Nationals for Social Development, filed a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office near the Luozi peace court, accusing the current doctor-director of the hospital establishment of embezzlement. .
It is regrettable that public health institutions, which should be guarantors of the well-being of populations, face such problems. The theft of medical equipment is not only a criminal act, but also a direct attack on the life and health of individuals. It is imperative that action is taken to resolve this situation and ensure adequate access to healthcare for all.
It is also essential to strengthen surveillance and security within health facilities to prevent such acts of theft and ensure the sustainability of health services. Finally, it is essential to establish a rigorous accountability and monitoring system for directors of health institutions, in order to guarantee transparent and effective management of medical resources.
Pending a resolution of this case, it is crucial to raise public awareness of the disastrous consequences of the theft of medical equipment and to encourage solidarity with disadvantaged populations who suffer the consequences of this situation. Health is a fundamental right, and it is our duty to do everything possible to guarantee its universal access.