Title: Free maternity in the DRC: a program under surveillance to ensure its sustainability
Introduction :
Free maternity care is an important program implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to facilitate access to health care for mothers during childbirth. Since its implementation, this program has made significant progress, as evidenced by the regular payment of bills by the Congolese government. However, to ensure the sustainability of this initiative, control and improvement measures are necessary. It is in this context that the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) took part in an evaluation meeting with the Minister of Health and the Directors General of the health establishments involved in the program. In this article, we will examine the recommendations made by the IGF and the efforts made to ensure the continued success of free maternity in the DRC.
Recommendations to sustain the program:
During the evaluation meeting, representatives of the IGF made recommendations to the Minister of Health to ensure the sustainability of the free maternity program. Although the details of these recommendations have not been released, they are likely measures aimed at strengthening the financial management, operational efficiency and transparency of the program. These recommendations aim to ensure that funds allocated for free maternity care are used effectively and truly benefit mothers in need. The Minister of Health has committed to submitting these recommendations to central government for approval, demonstrating his willingness to take concrete steps to improve the program.
The annual cost of free maternity:
The estimated annual cost of free maternity in the DRC is US$200 million, with a budget of US$42 million allocated specifically for the city of Kinshasa. These figures highlight the scale of resources needed to support this crucial program, which aims to reduce inequalities in maternal health and ensure equitable access to health services for all women.
Supervision of the General Inspectorate of Finance:
To ensure proper execution of the free maternity program, the General Inspectorate of Finance plays a key role in monitoring it. Through this monitoring, it is possible to ensure that allocated funds are used adequately, that health facilities meet quality standards and that beneficiaries receive the care they need. This monitoring also helps to identify any gaps or problems encountered in the implementation of the program, thus making it possible to make the necessary adjustments to improve its effectiveness..
Conclusion :
Free maternity in the DRC represents a major step forward in improving access to maternal health services for Congolese women. However, to ensure its sustainability, it is essential to put in place rigorous control and continuous improvement measures. The recommendations made by the General Inspectorate of Finance are a step in this direction, and it is essential that the central government approves and implements them. Thus, the free maternity program can continue to have a positive impact on the health of Congolese mothers and contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality in the country.