KCB Bank Rwanda has partnered with the International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO) to treat underprivileged patients suffering from cataract disease.

The partnership, according to George Odhiambo, acting Managing Director, KCB Bank Rwanda, is part of the Bank’s social cooperate responsibility to contribute to economic development.

"The KCB Foundation supports various aspects of the local community through the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives under five key areas; education, enterprise development, health, environment and humanitarian aid,” he told The New Times adding that so far more than 20 patients have benefited from the deal.

Beneficiaries were selected from the districts of Gasabo and Nyarugenge whereby we are giving the most vulnerable preference mainly for eye surgery to cure cataract disease, he said, adding that the bank owes the community and therefore restoring of sight is part of the initiative to pay back and will go a long way in enabling one to be self-reliant which builds hope and promotes personal growth.

According to Odhiambo, it is imperative for businesses to realise that they can still make profits while being socially responsible.

Dr Ciku Mathenge, RIIO’s manager and co-director, called on other private investors to partner with medical institutions and help bring down the cost of medical treatment in the country.

It is important for all companies to come out and support this effort because it is through such partnerships that the cost of medical treatment will become more affordable to all.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw