The establishment of Universal Health Coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a major step forward in the public health sector. The authorities have taken concrete measures to operationalize Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018, which sets the fundamental principles of the organization of Public Health, and which was modified by Ordinance-Law No. 23/ 006 of March 3, 2023.
A workshop organized by the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention was held from September 29 to 30, 2023, with the aim of discussing the operationalization of these legal texts. Senior officials and lawyers from the ministry, as well as experts from different public structures and establishments, participated in this event.
During his speech, the Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention underlined the importance of the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in the DRC. He explained that this implementation was irreversible, and that it constituted one of the key promises of the President of the Republic, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
During the workshop, participants identified the legal needs for the operationalization of the law, raised awareness on the link between universal health coverage and health security, and identified the services involved in enforcement measures. They also developed a roadmap for the drafting and adoption of these implementing measures.
This roadmap will be implemented through the creation of a technical commission responsible for execution. The objective is to accelerate the process of developing and adopting the necessary measures for the full implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the DRC.
This progress in the field of health in the DRC is a crucial step towards improving access to care for all citizens. Universal Health Coverage will ensure quality health services, without discrimination, and reduce health disparities.
It is now essential to continue to work actively on the implementation of this Universal Health Coverage, ensuring collaboration between the different actors involved, and ensuring that the implementation measures are developed and adopted within the planned deadlines.
The DRC is thus taking a further step towards improving the health of its population and achieving the sustainable development goals in terms of health. Universal Health Coverage is an opportunity to guarantee all citizens adequate health coverage and thus contribute to the overall improvement of the well-being of the Congolese population.