IRCAD Africa, a world-class research and training centre poised to train thousands of professionals in minimally invasive surgery, has opened in Kigali, positioning the Rwandan capital as the continent’s future health hub.

The centre of excellence in Kigali’s budding health hub in Masaka, began offering courses on Monday, October 2.

Its management plans to train 500-1000 surgeons every year.

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The over $32 million IRCAD Africa facility is part of a partnership of global research and training institute IRCAD France known for its expertise in laparoscopic surgery, which was founded by French surgeon Prof. Jacques Marescaux in 1994.

IRCAD Africa becomes the fifth IRCAD centre in the world and the first fully-fledged medical facility in the 100-hectare Kigali Health City, which will also host Rwanda’s largest hospital, CHUK, a heart treatment centre, medical schools, pharmaceutical centres, and modern laboratories.

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"The role of IRCAD Africa is to democratise minimally invasive surgery,” said Marescaux who is in Kigali for the centre’s official opening on Saturday, October 7.

Marescaux, who was initially reluctant to build an IRCAD centre in Africa, said he changed his mind when he witnessed Rwanda’s technological infrastructure and ambitions, the country&039;s healthcare plans and strategic location.

"Without the support of the government, IRCAD Africa would not have been possible,” he said.

Though based in Rwanda, Marescaux said the research and training centre, which uses robot technology in training, will serve the whole continent.

In the next three to five years, the centre could train thousands of professionals annually.

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The Rwandan government built the more than $20 million facility while IRCAD France brought in equipment worth more than $12 million.

The first course which began earlier on Monday was attended by 60 surgeons from across the African continent.

"During the preparation and design of this facility, few people believed that IRCAD Africa would be a reality,” said Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana.

"This centre is going to change how we train our professionals. Once people are trained here, we want to see this technology scaled not only in Rwanda but also to the whole of Africa,” said Nsanzimana.

He said minimally invasive surgery would reduce the cost of medical services.

The New Times understands that African countries are in contact with the Rwandan government and IRCAD Africa to send their professionals for training at the centre.