Title: Operationalization of the Public Health Law in the DRC: a step towards Universal Health Coverage
Introduction :
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention of the Democratic Republic of Congo organized a crucial workshop for the operationalization of the Public Health law. This initiative aims to put in place the necessary mechanisms for the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the country. Experts from the Ministry met to identify legal needs and define the next steps for the adoption of law enforcement measures.
The context of Universal Health Coverage:
The establishment of a Universal Health Coverage system is a flagship promise of Head of State Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. This requires a modification of the existing law to integrate the fundamental principles of the organization of Public Health. Thus, Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023 was adopted to make the necessary adjustments.
The objectives of the workshop:
The workshop allowed senior officials and lawyers from the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention to focus on several key objectives. First, they identified the specific legal needs for the operationalization of the Public Health Law. Then, they raised participants’ awareness of the importance of taking implementation measures that take into account the link between Universal Health Coverage and health security. Finally, they identified the services involved in the matters subject to these enforcement measures.
The roadmap for the adoption of enforcement measures:
At the end of the workshop, the thirty experts present, including the directors and heads of departments of the Ministry’s directorates and programs, agreed on a roadmap. This roadmap defines the steps to follow for the drafting and adoption of enforcement measures. This initiative aims to speed up the process and ensure that the necessary measures are put in place within the set deadlines.
The establishment of a technical commission:
In the next steps, a technical commission will be set up to supervise the execution of the roadmap adopted during the workshop. This commission will be responsible for developing and adopting the necessary implementing measures. Its role will be crucial to ensure that the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the DRC is effective and achieves the expected results.
Conclusion :
The operationalization of the Public Health Law in the DRC is an important step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in the country. Through this workshop, health authorities were able to identify legal needs and establish a roadmap for the adoption of enforcement measures. It is essential to establish a technical commission to accelerate the process and ensure that the Congolese population benefits from the benefits of universal health coverage. This progress demonstrates the government’s commitment to the well-being and health of its citizens.