NGOMA – Over Rwf130million has been earmarked for the refurbishment of Kibungo referral Hospital in Ngoma District.

The 69-year-old hospital will be renovated and upgraded to accommodate patients with ailments such as multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRT), Magnifique Paulette, the hospital’s administrator and Manager said.

An additional $ 70,000 will be used to construct a laboratory, according Paulette.

"The hospital will, in the next few months, be upgraded to accommodate patients being treated for MDRT. Doctors and nurses will also be trained on how to handle and treat such ailments,” she said.

She observed that the hospital’s proximity to the Rwanda-Tanzania border attracts hundreds of patients.

"We have 8 Chinese specialists, who, among others, offer traditional Chinese medical services, commonly known as acupuncture,” she noted.

The manager said that lack of medical equipment and trained manpower to maintain the few available ones was still a challenge.

Dr. Clark Mushagalusa, a staff representative, called for refresher courses for medics.

"Some medical equipment are grounded because we don’t have anyone to repair minor faults,” he said.

Théoneste Bangamwabo, a resident of Kibungo town, says refurbishing the hospital was a welcome move.Kibunga hospital serves over 290,000 people.

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