NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI— A team of Rwanda Defence Forces, medical doctors from Kanombe Military Hospital, last Saturday, offered free treatment to scores of patients with different ailments at Byumba Hospital, as part of the activities to mark the Army Week.

Among the medical activities they carried out, included treatment of cataract eye diseases, which causes blindness and they also gave dental treatment.

They also conducted extraction of blood donations, HIV/AIDS voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and distributed mosquito nets to mothers.

"There are 109 people with visual impairment drawn from Gicumbi, Burera and Rulindo districts who were identified and transported to Byumba Hospital by RDF, to receive free medical treatment during this Army week,” the RDF 408 Brigade commander Brig.General Eric Murokore said of the humanitarian work.

 He added that the RDF will cater for the patients’ feeding needs while at Byumba and provide transport back to their homes after treatment.

At the launch, the guest of honor area Governor, Aime Bosenibamwe, said provision of free medical treatment by the soldiers to local residents is part of the achievements of the liberation struggle.

"RDF humanitarian gesture such as this is the first of its kind in Rwanda’s history,” he said.

He added that it is a sign of good governance ushered in by the current Government of National Unity, where the local population works hand in hand with the Army to steer economic development.

"The future of Rwanda is a bright one because this Army week shall further cement cooperation between civilians and RDF,” the Governor noted.

On the same day, a total of 50 plots in Byumba Sector were also prepared by soldiers of the 408 Brigade for the construction of houses for vulnerable residents.

Present were Mayor Bonane Nyangezi, Director of Byumba Hospital Dr. Deocles MPukama and the Director of Kanombe Military Hospital Major Dr. Guido Rugumire.

Ends