Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi  Saturday launched a one-month national campaign to sensitise Rwandans to join the community-based health insurance scheme, locally known as Mutuelle de Santé, in Kayonza District.

The launch of the campaign at Juru cell in Gahini sector coincided with the monthly community work, Umuganda.

Addressing residents, the PM said the government had tasked Rwanda Social Security Board to manage Mutuelle de Santé because subscriptions to the scheme were dropping, adding that the aims was to attract people back to the scheme by improving its financial management which he said was critical in the running of the fund.

"The government has improved the nature of Mutuelle de Santé…patients with insurance can be treated now in major referral hospitals in the country, can pay money in Saccos, banks agents, mobile money. RSSB was tasked to improve the quality of services,” he said.

RSSB hopes to reverse the trend by paying hospitals and pharmacies on time so they can procure the medicines needed.

Murekezi urged residents to pay the insurance money in time, noting that they were responsible for the health of their children.

"You must have health insurance to care for your children…The government caters for 23% of the population that cannot pay for the insurance. This shows its great commitment”.

The PM’s speech was preceded by his participation in Umuganda to rehabilitate a road and in building a health post.

Residents of Juru and Kahi cells in Gahini sector raised finances and manpower to construct a health center worth over Rwf31 million.

"I commend the activities of residents in this area…they were ranked number three in best performers in Umuganda activities at the national level. Their actions are exemplary…they set a bench mark for what can be achieved in Umuganda”.

‘The Health Post is the best among the 368, we have in the country. It won prizes at the national level because it is excellent by all standards”.

Murekezi said that the country was on the right track as far as health development was concerned.

"In 2005-2006, it took 96 minutes for our people to access health services…now in only 56 minutes, they can access health services. It all comes down to good governance, which is why Umuganda should be given the importance it deserves”.

The PM also reminded residents to be ready for the coming planting season, noting that modern farming was on the cards.

"You must exploit all the good policies of the country…availability of fertilizers, modern farming methods, skills, etc, are with you. We must think about the future using a holistic approach,” he said.

The PM was accompanied by a number of government officials and development partners.

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