The Minister of Health has expressed concern over signs of poor service delivery within the sector and issued a stern warning to health workers to change or face dire consequences.

As we usher in the New Year, the Minister’s message is timely. Promotion of quality service delivery or good "customer care” within the health sector is something that should form priority in the years ahead.

Rwanda is now known for her innovative measures that are designed to foster development. For instance, within the Health sector, Rwandans are proud of Mutuelle de santé and the RAMA initiatives.

These policies are already bearing fruits. But for the country to consolidate the gains, there’s need for change in the mindset, especially from the service providers.  Like the Minister says, good service provision is part and parcel of the professional ethics of medical workers.

There have been cases of irresponsible conduct on the part of our health workers, sometimes leading to loss of lives largely due to negligence.

The public has also come out openly to condemn some professional misconduct exhibited by a few within the profession whose wanting conduct has stained the sector.

That said, a lot has been achieved. The remaining mismatches need concerted efforts from all stakeholders to clean up the sector.

The setting up of hotlines within the ministry to report cases of poor service delivery is indeed a welcome move that should contribute to the improvement of this sector.

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