Rwanda-Health: 10 university hospitals to open soon

Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana has announced that Rwanda plans to open 10 new teaching hospitals across the country. This, he said, is intended to further expand access to medical care and training opportunities for doctors.

According to Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s healthcare sector is experiencing major improvements, with the country now boasting more than 500 health centers and over 50 hospitals. Plans are also underway to open new teaching hospitals across the country.

“Yes, Rwanda plans to open 10 teaching hospitals as part of a national strategy to increase the number of medical specialists. These hospitals will serve both as treatment centers for patients and as training centers for future health professionals,” he said.

These new facilities will not only serve patients. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana

He said the Rwandan government aims to train more than 6,500 health professionals by 2030, including 464 dentists, 1,241 health science graduates, 2,572 medical and pharmacy graduates, and 2,236 nurses and midwives.

Minister Nsanzimana indicated that these new teaching hospitals will be located in Musanze, Ngoma, Rwamagana, Kabgayi, Butaro, Kibogora, Kibagabaga, Nyamata, and Gicumbi. They join the ranks of existing teaching hospitals, including the University Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), the Rwanda Military Hospital, the University Hospital of Butare (CHUB), King Faisal Hospital, and the Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital.

“These new facilities will not only serve patients, but will also help train the next generation of healthcare professionals,” he said.

The Ministry of Health began converting nine hospitals into teaching facilities in 2022, as part of a national strategy to increase the number of qualified medical specialists by 2030.

The Ministry of Health has begun converting nine hospitals into educational institutions in 2022.

“As we build new hospitals and train new health workers, our goal is to ensure that every Rwandan can receive timely, quality care at an affordable price,” he added.

The Minister of Health explained that this project is part of Rwanda’s broader effort to improve access to health care, including by making services more affordable and bringing care closer to communities.

He noted that the introduction of Mutuelle de Santé, Rwanda’s community-based health insurance system, was a turning point in expanding access to healthcare. The country aims to ensure that every Rwandan can receive quality, timely, and affordable healthcare.