The workshop to operationalize the Public Health law in the Democratic Republic of Congo: an important step towards Universal Health Coverage
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention organized a workshop aimed at the operationalization of Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018 establishing the fundamental principles relating to the organization of Public Health . This workshop was an opportunity for senior officials and lawyers from the Ministry of Health to discuss the legal needs and implementation measures necessary for the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in the DRC.
Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018 was amended and supplemented by Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023, thus integrating the fundamental principles of Universal Health Coverage. This modification demonstrates the government’s commitment to establishing a health system accessible to all Congolese citizens. The Ministry of Health underlined the importance of this implementation, affirming that Universal Health Coverage is one of the key promises of the President of the Republic, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
During this workshop, the participants, made up of thirty experts from different departments and programs of the Ministry of Health, worked on identifying the necessary implementation measures and defined a roadmap for their drafting and adoption. Dr Roger Kabamba, Minister of Health, praised the work accomplished and underlined the importance of these implementation measures for the achievement of Universal Health Coverage in the DRC.
The next steps include the establishment of a technical commission responsible for implementing the roadmap adopted during this workshop. This commission will be responsible for accelerating the development and adoption of the necessary implementing measures. This is a crucial step to guarantee the effectiveness of Universal Health Coverage in the DRC.
The establishment of Universal Health Coverage is a major step forward in the field of health in the DRC. It aims to guarantee access to quality healthcare for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. This initiative is part of an approach to health security and the promotion of public health, in accordance with the principles of the International Health Regulations.
In summary, the workshop to operationalize the Public Health law in the DRC made it possible to define the implementation measures necessary for the implementation of Universal Health Coverage. This important step demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to guaranteeing access to health care for all citizens. The technical commission responsible for implementing the roadmap should play a key role in realizing this vision and improving public health in the DRC.