Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, has laid out plans to construct a special section for VIPs.

The VIP wing, estimated to cost Rwf1.8 billion, is part of a refurbishment exercise to turn the hospital into a world class facility.

Speaking to The New Times, last week, Sonia Kalibagiza, the hospital’s public relations and communications officer, said the plan is aimed at upgrading the referral infrastructure in line with national Vision 2020. 

"Apart from upgrading the existing infrastructure, we are constructing a wing for VIPs. As military hospital, we have the mandate to offer VIP healthcare,” said Kalibagiza.

Construction works that began in October, last year, are scheduled to last 15 months.

"We strive to become the regional health hub, so we believe we will be able to offer the best healthcare,” Kalibagiza added.

 The VIP wing will cater for senior government officials, diplomats and others who can afford.

Currently, VIP healthcare in the country is offered at University Teaching Hospital Kigali and King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda.

And, according to Kalibagiza, Rwanda Military Hospital will complement the existing ones.

"What we lack is infrastructure and equipment. We have enough specialists. And when the facilities are put up, we hope to offer the best service in the region,” Kalibagza added.

Delvis Manzi, the in-charge of infrastructure, said the new wing will occupy 1481 square meters.

‘Awesome development’ 

It will have 28 rooms, two presidential suits, living rooms, and provisions for a conference meeting, in case a VIP patient wished to conduct a meeting or host visitors from his hospital ward.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Richard Kabonero, who doubles as the Dean of Ambassadors accredited to Kigali, welcomed the new healthcare development.

"I have not been to Rwanda Military Hospital, but I have heard of the remarkable services offered there. It is absolutely awesome to hear of this new healthcare development,” Kabonero said.

"It will not only boost the reputation of the hospital, but it will help diplomats in Rwanda and other VIPs, find immediate and easy healthcare.”

Rwanda Defence Forces boasts of well-trained and experienced doctors and specialists in various medical fields. 

They occasionally carry out free medical services to the less privileged during an outreach programme dubbed army week.