Health professionals in public hospitals in the DRC have been on strike since August 22, 2023. This mobilization aims to obtain from the government compliance with the Bibwa 1, 2 and 3 agreements, which include demands such as the alignment of the health bonus. risk, mechanization of workstations and advancement in grade. This strike situation has led to dysfunction in public health centers and hospitals across the country, with many patients refused or dismissed.
Faced with this situation, the government of the DRC recommended the resumption of dialogue with the unions in order to find solutions to the demands of health professionals. The objective is to preserve the free maternity and newborn care program, while responding to the legitimate demands of medical staff.
Joseph Kibangula, secretary general of the National Union of Nurses of Congo, and rapporteur of the health inter-union called the Union of Health Professionals and Administrators (SPAS), underlines the importance of making demands heard to improve the working conditions of health personnel.
For his part, Tele Bantapi, deputy chief of staff to the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention, recognizes the importance of responding to the demands of medical personnel, while highlighting the budgetary and organizational challenges facing the government.
Dr Bate Ndjoloko, specialist in public health and former director general of disease control at the Ministry of Health, sheds light on the urgent needs of the health system in the DRC, particularly in terms of universal health coverage.
This situation of strike by health professionals in public hospitals highlights the challenges facing the health system in the DRC. It is essential to find a balance between the legitimate demands of medical personnel and the budgetary and organizational challenges of the government. The resumption of dialogue and the search for concrete solutions are essential to guarantee quality health services to the Congolese population.