This study examines the implementation of prisoners’ right to health at Bunia Central Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2020 and 2023. The research is based on a legal and empirical approach combining the analysis of national legal provisions governing prisoners’ health rights and statistical data collected from the prison administration and prison health services. The legal framework recognizes health as a fundamental human right applicable to all persons, including detainees. Congolese legislation provides guarantees regarding medical care, hygiene, nutrition, accommodation, disease prevention, and access to health services in correctional institutions. However, the empirical findings reveal significant challenges affecting the effective realization of these rights. The study shows a persistent prison overcrowding problem. During the period under review, the prison population increased from 1,384 detainees in 2020 to 2,313 detainees in 2023, despite an initial capacity estimated at 500 inmates. The collected data further indicate several deaths linked to various illnesses as well as cases of mental health deterioration among detainees. The findings also highlight deficiencies in nutrition, hygiene conditions, infrastructure, and access to adequate healthcare services. The study concludes that despite the existence of a relatively protective legal framework, substantial gaps remain between legal standards and actual prison conditions. It recommends strengthening prison health services, improving detention conditions, reducing overcrowding, and enhancing public investment in the penitentiary system to ensure effective protection of detainees’ right to health.