Dr Foreman Mabala: ‘The lack of emergency medicine specialists is a major public health issue in the DRC’

A critical shortage of emergency medicine specialists poses a significant public health challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Dr. Foreman Mabala, an emergency physician and general coordinator of the International Crossroads of Anesthesia, Resuscitation, and Emergencies (CIARU).

Dr. Mabala highlighted this issue during the 5th edition of CIARU, held in Lubumbashi from August 17 to 20. He stated that the capacity to effectively manage critical situations, particularly during epidemic crises such as Ebola, requires more specialized professionals and better-organized patient care.

Following the scientific meetings, Dr. Mabala urged for enhanced training and skill development in emergency medicine. He also called for structural reforms to bolster the country's emergency medical response system. The discussions at CIARU emphasized the scientific challenges confronting emergency medicine in the DRC and explored avenues for strengthening healthcare professionals' capabilities.

Dr. Mabala stressed that improving emergency care across the nation depends on increased training and ensuring the availability of specialized skills throughout the territory. He was interviewed by Paulin Munanga.

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The deficit of specialists in emergency medicine is a major public health issue.