Title: Workshop on the operationalization of the public health law in the DRC: A major step forward for 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 workshop aimed at the operationalization of law n°18/035 of December 13, 2018 establishing the fundamental principles relating to organization of Public Health. This law, modified and supplemented by Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of March 3, 2023, constitutes the foundation of the Universal Health Coverage system and the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) in the DRC. This event brought together senior officials and lawyers from the ministry, as well as experts from the health sector, with the aim of identifying legal needs to put into practice the provisions of this law and raising awareness of its importance.
The process of implementing Universal Health Coverage in the DRC: a promise kept
The Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention stressed during his speech that the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in the Democratic Republic of Congo was a priority, thus responding to the promise of the Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. This required an amendment to the existing public health law, incorporating the fundamental principles relating to this system.
During this workshop, participants were able to establish a roadmap for the drafting and adoption of implementing measures for the amended public health law. This essential step will ensure effective implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the DRC and strengthen the country’s health security.
The establishment of a technical commission to speed up the process
The next steps in this process include the creation of a technical commission responsible for implementing the roadmap adopted at the workshop. This commission will play a key role in the development and adoption of the implementation measures necessary to achieve Universal Health Coverage in the DRC.
Conclusion :
The organization of the workshop on the operationalization of the public health law in the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a significant step forward towards the establishment of Universal Health Coverage in the country. This initiative, supported by the government and the Ministry of Health, Hygiene and Prevention, illustrates the DRC’s commitment to guaranteeing access to health care for all its citizens. Thanks to the creation of a dedicated technical commission, the process of adopting implementation measures will be accelerated, thus allowing rapid and effective implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the DRC. This advancement is a crucial step to improve the country’s health security and ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to health.