WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI— The assistant commissioner of Police in charge of medical services, Dr. Wilson Rubanzana, last Friday commissioned the newly rehabilitated health centre for the Rwanda National Police in the Rugabano Sector Karongi district.

The health centre, was recently rehabilitated and equipped with facilities donated by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) through its Uniformed Personnel project (UPP) at a cost of Rwf30 million.

"The National Police have put people’s health as a priority before ensuring their security. This is because you cannot tell some one with  poor health to conduct community policing,” Dr. Rubanzana explained, commending Rwanda’s development partners for their continued commitment to helping Rwandans. He thanked ADRA Rwanda for their role in uplifting people’s welfare especially in the rural communities.

"On behalf of the acting commissioner general of Police who wished to join you in this inaugural ceremony, but failed…..the national police wish to thank ADRA and other partners who made this health centre a reality,” he said.

He urged Rugabano residents and other neighbourhoods to always seek medication at the centre, saying it also belonged to them.

"I want to remind you that the police work 24 hours. Let no one hesitate to go there even late at night,” he said.

Joseph Sebahire, the acting ADRA country director, attributed the success of their projects to government support.

Geoffrey Ngiruwonsanga, the UPP project manager in Karongi and Nyamasheke districts, said they also installed solar energy panels at the health facility.

The UPP project has conducted several activities including voluntary counselling and Testing (VCT), supporting ant-Aids clubs among the uniformed personnel, teachers, primary pupils and the entire population.

This year, over 80% of teachers in Karongi district went for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), according to health officials. 

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