Healthcare Providers' Perceptions of Universal Health Coverage in Lubero and Butembo, DR-Congo

The target of this investigation is to contribute to the implementation of universal health coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative, and correlational study, it was conducted from March to August 2025. Data collection consisted of a survey questionnaire administered to 920 healthcare providers in both the Lubero Territory and Butembo City. Regarding increased frequency and use of services, expectations on UHC are positive (M=3.75[3.68; 3.81] ± 0.05), increasing rate of income recovery (M=3.39[3.31; 3.46] ± 1.15) and protecting of household finances (M=3.38[3.32; 3.45] ± 1.07). Healthcare providers fear delays in patient bill payments (M=2.42 [2.35; 2.50] ± 1.13) and disruption of input stocks (M=2.55 [2.47; 2.63] ± 1.23). Expectations of healthcare providers vary by residence (t = 7.06; p = 0.000), whereas fears do not (t = 0.00; p = 0.999). Expectations of healthcare providers vary depending on each one’s main job (F = 3.536; p = 0.001). The same is observed for fears (F=3.390; p=0.001). Perceptions vary by marital status (F=2.832; p=0.037) but not by gender (F=-0.074; p=0.918). Expectations of healthcare providers of UHC are influenced by the level of education (r=0.094; p=0.004) and depend on household income (r=-0.079; p=0.016).