People from different parts of the country on Friday thronged King Faisal Hospital Kigali for free screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during an ‘Open Day’ event.

The NCDs screened included diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer among others, during the exercise that was held under the theme; ‘know your numbers.’

HIV tests were also voluntarily carried out.

Dr Patrick Ndimubanzi, the minister of state in charge of public health and primary healthcare, commended the hospital for the gesture, and called on other hospitals to follow its footsteps, saying that NCDs – commonly referred to as lifestyle diseases – were on the increase in the country.

According to Dr Emile Rwamasirabo, the chief executive of King Faisal, the event was organised to help improve the relationship between the hospital and the people and urged them to frequently conduct checkups to ensure any diseases are detected early and treated.

"A person needs at least two general checkups per year. People should not be afraid of taking tests. That’s not the solution. When you have the right information about your health status it becomes easier to undergo treatment,” he said.

Dr Emmanuel Rudakemwa, a radiologist at the hospital, said many patients go to hospital late, and that seven out of 10 patients die of NCDs, and reminded them that prevention is better than cure.

"You should not come to hospital because you are ill but because you want to prevent the illness,” he noted.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to interact with the medical personnel on a number of health issues while others asked about varied symptoms of different diseases.

They also raised concerns with the hospital managers, including of poor customer care by some of the personnel.

"You have the right to mention those who mistreat you through suggestion boxes and other means,” said Dr Ndimubanzi

Besides free screening, participants were tipped on different ways to live a healthy life, eating safe diet, practicing sports so as to prevent NCDs, which are mainly lifestyle-induced diseases.

Aloys Bazinde, one of those who turned up for the open day, commended the hospital for the service.

"It’s an opportunity for us because the check-ups are really not affordable to everyone under normal circumstances,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw