The news in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to make headlines. From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention organized a workshop of capital importance for the operationalization of the public health law in the country. This event aims to put in place the necessary implementation measures for the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system and the International Health Regulations in the DRC.
During this workshop, senior officials and lawyers from the ministry identified the legal needs in order to implement Law No. 18/035 of December 13, 2018, which sets the fundamental principles relating to the organization of public health. This law was modified and supplemented by Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023, thus integrating the fundamental principles of Universal Health Coverage.
The Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention emphasized in his speech that the implementation of this system is irreversible and constitutes one of the key promises of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. He also praised the work of the experts present during this workshop, who established a roadmap for the drafting and adoption of enforcement measures of the law.
The next steps include the establishment of a technical commission responsible for implementing this roadmap. Its role will be to accelerate the development and adoption of the implementation measures necessary to achieve Universal Health Coverage in the DRC.
This workshop is therefore an important step in fulfilling the Congolese government’s promise to guarantee access to quality health services for all citizens. Universal Health Coverage aims to provide financial protection in health matters, by allowing each individual to have access to necessary care services, without suffering financial difficulties.
This initiative positions the DRC as a major player in the promotion of public health and quality of care. The implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system will help strengthen the health system as a whole, improving access to care for all citizens, reducing inequalities and guaranteeing health security.
This crucial step demonstrates the Congolese government’s desire to take concrete measures to improve the health and well-being of its population. The DRC thus positions itself as a country committed to achieving the sustainable development goals, in particular the objective of guaranteeing good health and well-being for all.
It will be interesting to follow the next stages of this implementation and see the concrete results of Universal Health Coverage in the DRC. Health is a fundamental right for every individual, and the DRC is one step closer to realizing this vision.