The creation of a health fund: a solution to strengthen universal health coverage in the DRC
In his desire to achieve universal health coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Félix Tshisekedi recently created the National Council for Universal Coverage (CNCU). However, it is important to note that this initiative is encountering some difficulties in its implementation and does not yet ensure optimal coverage for all.
One of the main weaknesses of the CNCU is its limited resources and uncertain viability. In addition, the technical issues surrounding its creation, operation and management of the diseases to be covered require in-depth study.
Currently, efforts seem to focus mainly on free deliveries, which does not fully meet the objective of universal health coverage.
To remedy this, it is proposed to create a “Health Fund” which would be a major support and reliable execution of the vision of the Head of State. This fund could rely on service providers and taxable persons from existing social security funds, which represent more than 30% of the population. These resources could come from workers’ contributions and a portion of the taxes levied, in order to enrich the resources of the national health fund.
It should be noted that the payment of health care is an important branch of social security and that it requires an independent and well-financed fund. Social security contributions, unlike taxes, are less burdensome for recipients of health services and are widely used in many countries around the world.
In order to realize this innovative vision and respond to global challenges, it is proposed to merge the technical data on providers and beneficiaries, as well as the financial resources of existing social security funds as initial databases for the creation of the national health fund.
In a first phase, this fund could provide universal health coverage for active and retired workers from the general and special schemes, as well as their dependents. This gradual approach could gradually extend coverage to the entire population.
In conclusion, the creation of a solid and autonomous health fund represents a promising solution to strengthen universal health coverage in the DRC