Title: Operationalization of law 18/035: An essential step towards Universal Health Coverage in the DRC
Introduction :
From September 29 to 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health, Hygiene Prevention organized a workshop of capital importance aimed at the operationalization of law 18/035 of December 13, 2018 establishing the fundamental principles relating to the organization of Health Public in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This legal text constitutes the basis for the establishment of the Universal Health Coverage system and the application of the International Health Regulations (IHR) in the country. This initiative is part of the vision of the President of the DRC, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who makes Universal Health Coverage one of his priorities.
The objectives of the workshop:
The thirty experts present during the workshop, including officials from the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Prevention, identified the legal needs to implement Law 18/035 and made participants aware of the importance of taking implementation measures linked to Universal Health Coverage and health security. The main objective was to define the services that will be involved in the implementation of this law and to establish a roadmap for the drafting and adoption of the necessary implementing measures.
The modification of the existing law:
The Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention stressed that the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage system in the DRC required a modification of law 18/035 of December 13, 2018. Ordinance-Law No. 23/006 of 03 March 2023 was promulgated to integrate the fundamental principles of Universal Health Coverage into existing law. This modification marks an essential step in the process of implementing Universal Health Coverage in the DRC.
The roadmap for the operationalization of the law:
During the workshop, a roadmap was adopted for the drafting and adoption of implementing measures for Law 18/035. This roadmap will serve as a guide to accelerate the process of developing and adopting these necessary measures. It is planned to set up a technical commission responsible for supervising the implementation of this roadmap.
Conclusion :
The workshop dedicated to the operationalization of Law 18/035 marked a crucial step in the establishment of the Universal Health Coverage system in the DRC. The experts present identified legal needs, raised awareness among participants and established a roadmap for drafting implementing measures. With this progress, the DRC is one step closer to its goal of guaranteeing universal access to health care for all its citizens. This is an important step in realizing President Tshisekedi’s vision and improving the country’s health system.