The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country about the size of western Europe that can boast abundant natural resources including lavish gemstones and precious metals. Despite its apparent size and natural wealth, the country has an "acute lack of medical care" (Doyle, 8/2008). According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) there have been an estimated 5.4 million Congolese deaths from curable diseases, health conditions, and disorders over the past ten years (2008). Such deaths include malnutrition, infection, and childbirth with the majority being of an undramatic nature (IRC, 2008). The IRC strongly believes that the majority of the deaths in the DRC could have been prevented by basic health care.
Historically, when the Belgium government relinquished its hold on Congo providing it with independence in the 1960’s, the colonial power left a system with a basic health care infrastructure that could be accessed by Congolese citizens. Despite the favoritism put in place for the health care for the rich, poor people could at least access medical care.
Today, decades of dictatorships, war, and corruption have left the Congolese health care system in shambles. The once prestigious Kinshasa General Hospital is now scrambling for basic medical supplies for accidents and emergencies. KGH and other medical care facilities usually find themselves without needed bandages, medicines, and equipment due to the dilapidation of the health care infrastructure.
Sadly, the emergency room in Kinshasa General Hospital will today be filled with both rich and poor people who need emergency medical attention. The poor vying for assistance will probably die from serious but preventable wounds. The rich sitting in the waiting area, however, will be able to provide monetary support for the supplies needed to keep them alive and help them heal.
DRC Health minister, Victor Makwenge Kaput (2008) agrees that the health care crisis is "completely unacceptable." He indicates that the government is trying to reorganize itself so that the health care infractructure can be re-established. In addition to being held accountable for their services and care, Kaput states that Health Care facilities need resources to be successful.
If DRC’s present health care infrastructure is not re-established, even more unnecessary deaths will take place. Although the task seems daunting, if governmental officials are serious about their desire to make a difference in their country, there are ways to accomplish such a formidable task.
Leave Your Comments