Defence minister Juvenal Marizamunda has said that the establishment of the new Military Health Service under the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is part of broader efforts to build the military’s medical service capacity and extend it to the grassroots where all the men and women in uniform operate, as well as playing a key role in treating the citizenry.

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A new legislation, passed by parliament on Thursday, May 2, introduced a number of changes in the law governing the RDF. The changes include the creation of Military Health Service, a new unit which will be led by a Chief of Staff.

Upon final approval and publication in the official gazette of the proposed legislation, RDF will comprise four services, namely; Land Forces, Air Force, Reserve Force and Special Units, as well as the Military Health Service. Each service is headed by a Chief of Staff.

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Speaking in a media interview on Thursday, May 2, after the passing of the legislation by parliament, Marizamunda said: "We want to build this service (health) so that it will be strong, with a structure that goes down all the way to the lower levels where our army works, be it in time of peace or during operations.”

"We have many specialists and doctors and we continue to try to get more. They support not only soldiers but the citizens,” he added.

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On Tuesday, April 30, President Paul Kagame who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) approved the establishment of the military health service, and also appointed officers who will manage it.

Maj Gen Dr Ephraim Rurangwa, who previously served as the Commandant of Rwanda Military Hospital, was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Medical Health Service. He will be deputised by Col Dr. John Nkurikiye, an ophthalmologist.

Brig Gen Jean Paul Bitega, an orthopedic surgeon, was appointed as the commander of medical operations command, while Dr Eugene Ngoga, who was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, was appointed as the commandant of Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital.

Also promoted to the rank of Brigadier General is Chrysostome Kagimbana, who was appointed as the commander of medical regional facilities.

Col. Eric Seruyange was appointed as the director of epidemiology and public health, Lt Col Leon Ruvugabigwi the director of drugs and materials, while Lt Col. Vincent Sugira was named the director of medical training, research and innovation.