On December 28, President Tshisekedi inaugurated the renovated Muya Hospital in Mbuji-Mayi, in the Eastern Kasaï province. The facility now features ten buildings and 100 installed beds, along with specialized services in pediatrics, gynecology, surgery (including a modern operating room), and intensive care.

President Tshisekedi visited Mbuji-Mayi with Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba Mulanga. On the occasion, Kamba Mulanga announced new initiatives to foster business opportunities in the medical equipment and materials sector. "I have instructed my team to equip the hospital with additional beds and proceed with the installation of X-ray equipment, to improve the quality of care provided," the minister posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The official also revealed plans to launch a feasibility study for constructing an operating theater. The new beds will complement 15 units already donated for this purpose. Investment in the health sector remains a priority for the DRC, which has an estimated population of 120 million.

These initiatives follow recent investments by the government in healthcare.  These fall under a health development plan targeting universal health coverage. 

However, households continue to shoulder a significant portion of overall public health expenditures. According to a 2023 report by USAID, households spent $914 million on health in 2021 outpacing donor contributions of $802 million and government contributions of $329.5 million.

At the local level, the Eastern Kasaï province has included several health-related projects in its 2023-2027 development plan. This program outlines plans for building and equipping health centers, as well as setting up key facilities like laboratories and operating theaters, in addition to supplying vital medicines.

The recent developments signal a commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services in the DRC, paving the way for improved health outcomes and greater investment opportunities in the sector.

Georges Auréole Bamba