Title: The operationalization of the law on Universal Health Coverage in the DRC: a step forward towards access to care for all
Introduction :
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene Prevention organized a workshop aimed at the operationalization of the law on Universal Health Coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These meetings helped to highlight the legal needs for the implementation of this law, as well as the importance of the link between universal health coverage and health security.
A law for equitable access to care:
Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018 establishing the fundamental principles relating to the organization of Public Health in the DRC was modified and supplemented by Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023, in order to integrate the principles of Universal Health Coverage. This modification marks the Congolese government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to care for all citizens.
The objectives of the workshop:
The workshop organized by the Ministry of Health, Hygiene Prevention brought together thirty experts, including directors and heads of departments of public health structures. The main objective was to identify the necessary enforcement measures to ensure the effective implementation of the Universal Health Coverage law.
A roadmap for the operationalization of the law:
During these meetings, participants were able to define a road map for the drafting and adoption of measures to implement the law. This roadmap will be implemented by a technical commission responsible for its execution, in order to accelerate the process of developing the necessary measures.
Support from the Minister of Health:
In his speech, the Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention highlighted the importance of the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in the DRC and congratulated the participants for their work. He also recalled that the implementation of this system was one of the key promises of Head of State Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
Conclusion :
The operationalization of the law on Universal Health Coverage in the DRC is a step forward towards access to care for all citizens. Thanks to the drafting and adoption of implementing measures, this law will guarantee universal health coverage and meet the health needs of the Congolese population. The establishment of a technical commission responsible for implementing the road map demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to achieving this major advance in the field of public health.