The Rwanda Demobilisation and Re-integration Commission (RDRC) on Sunday started a screening exercise for 236 ex-combatants expected to undergo free surgical operations for different cases.

The operations will be conducted by 28 doctors  in the country’s main hospitals, including King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda Military Hospital and University Central Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).

Dr Alex Butera, an orthopedic surgeon at Rwanda Military Hospital, said those to undergo operations will be categorised based on the level of complication of the operations required.

"The screening exercise will determine what exactly will be done and it will help in identifying those with urgent cases,” he said.

If it goes as planned, officials say the exercise is expected to be completed by the end of June.

Butera said doctors are ready and prepared to take on the task.

Speaking to The New Times, one of those to undergo operations said he has lived with stomach complications for long.

"I am optimistic that this operation will relieve me of the pain I have lived with for long,” said Theoneste Habyimana.

John Sayinzoga, the chairperson of the Commission, said beneficiaries were selected from across the country.

He promised the Commission will give the necessary support in ensuring that ex-combatants are fully treated so that they can be able to contribute to national development.

"They are categorised depending on how critical the injuries are,” he said, adding that there are those with severe injuries while others have minor injuries.