The Collective of Unassigned Doctors in the Democratic Republic of Congo has called on the government to gradually reopen medical postings. The collective's coordinator, Dr. Lepriya Mananasi, made the appeal on Monday, citing difficulties faced by doctors due to the four-year suspension of postings. Mananasi emphasized that the desire to serve the country in the medical field is strong, but many are struggling to practice their profession fully. He stressed that obtaining a medical degree does not automatically guarantee a public service job.
Dr. Mananasi noted that the recruitment of new agents must be based on identified needs by the sectoral ministry, taking into account administrative procedures and the state's budgetary capacities. He also highlighted that the DR Congo faces significant human resource needs in health, particularly in provinces and areas with limited access to care. The country is grappling with health challenges such as epidemics and diseases like Ebola, Mpox, and cholera, which require a healthcare system with sufficient human resources.
The DR Congo has made progress in addressing these challenges, but the Collective of Unassigned Doctors believes that a gradual reopening of postings is essential. Dr. Glodie Mongba, spokesperson for the collective, praised reforms by the Public Service Ministry and initiatives by the Public Health Ministry to strengthen the healthcare system and mobilize resources for universal health coverage. He emphasized the need for institutional dialogue and a constructive approach to address the issue of unassigned doctors.
Dr. Mongba proposed a gradual and planned reopening of postings, prioritizing provinces and health facilities with medical personnel shortages. He suggested examining possibilities for postings in new health infrastructure built under the 145-territory development program. The collective's vision involves a five-step approach: identifying available doctors, mapping needs, planning recruitment, recruiting gradually, and assigning doctors based on priority needs.
The Collective of Unassigned Doctors was established in October 2022 by Dr. Lepriya Mananasi, with a digital file of 4,000 doctors nationwide. The collective aims to advocate for unassigned doctors and push for the resumption of postings, suspended four years ago. The group's efforts seek to address the shortage of medical personnel in the country.
The DR Congo's healthcare system faces significant challenges, including a shortage of medical personnel. The Collective of Unassigned Doctors believes that a gradual reopening of postings can help address this shortage. The collective's proposals aim to ensure that medical personnel are deployed to areas with the greatest need.
The government has been urged to consider the collective's proposals and work towards a gradual reopening of medical postings. This move is expected to improve the healthcare system in the DR Congo and address the challenges faced by doctors and the population. The collective's efforts have been welcomed by some, who see it as a step towards improving the country's healthcare system.
Key points
- The DR Congo faces significant human resource needs in health, particularly in provinces and areas with limited access to care.
- A gradual reopening of postings is essential to address the shortage of medical personnel in the country.
- The Collective of Unassigned Doctors proposes a five-step approach to manage the deployment of medical personnel.
