Bank of Kigali has provided Rwf4.4 million to 1,470 needy people in Gasabo district so as to help them afford premiums to subscribe to Community Based Health Insurance Scheme commonly known as ‘Mutuelle santé.

The social responsibility support was provided on Saturday during the monthly Community work- Umuganda in Rusororo sector.

Bank of Kigali staff participated in activities to construct terraces on the land that will be dedicated to agricultural activities including planting fruit trees.

Bonaventure Ntabwoba, the Head of Branch Business at Bank of Kigali Group said that support is a result of staff commitment that fund-raised to support needy people.

"As the staff of Bank of Kigali Group Branches, we have collected the money to help needy people afford health insurance premiums. This will ensure that their health becomes better and be able to afford health services. We will continue to support government development initiatives,” he said.

"We have other initiatives contributing to people’s development such as Ikofi, an initiative which helps farmers access financial services by using ICT based technology,” he said.

Nadine Umutoni, the Vice Mayor in charge of Socio-economic Affairs at the City of Kigali commended the bank’s initiative to increase the rate of health insurance subscription in Kigali city.

"We thank the Bank of Kigali for having provided insurance premiums to vulnerable households. The intervention was timely since the districts in Kigali city are lagging behind in terms of subscribing to health insurance compared to other districts,” she said.

She reminded the citizens that they can fall sick anytime and therefore subscription to the insurance scheme is paramount.

"We recently experienced misfortune caused by disasters on Christmas and none of you was expecting it. That is why subscribing to health insurance could help you afford treatment whenever any such misfortune befalls you,” she told the residents after Umuganda.

In order to ensure sustainable health, the Vice Mayor advised the residents to plant fruit trees so as to curb malnutrition and stunting especially among children.

Edda Mukabagwiza, the Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, in charge of Legal Affairs and Government oversight lauded the initiative to provide support to needy people for health insurance subscription.

She urged residents to protect and maintain set up of infrastructure such as roads, electric poles and cables, among others.

She reminded residents to play a key role in constructing water drainages so as to channel water that could trigger flooding.

"It is not necessary that you wait for Umuganda to make waterways. You should always be watchful so that you prevent disasters such as the recent flooding that devastated the city,” she said.

Flooding and landslides claimed the lives of 12 people and damaged property worth millions of francs on Christmas day.

Bank of Kigali has provided Rwf4.4 million to 1,470 needy people in Gasabo district so as to afford premiums to subscribe to Community Based Health Insurance Scheme known as Mutuelle santé. / Craish Bahizi