RUBAVU- Rubavu District residents are appealing to the government to increase the number of medical personnel and stock enough drugs in public health centres in the area.

They made the remarks, last week, when the Minister of Health, Dr. Agnes Binangwaho, toured Nyundo and Murara health centres and the Gisenyi district hospital to assess challenges affecting the health facilities.

The residents also requested for the expansion of Nyundo health facilities to accommodate more patients.

An area resident, Tasian Ndeze, said that although the services at Nyundo health centre are commendable, there is need to increase the number of medical staff and avail more drugs.

"Sometimes when we come here, there are no drugs so we are told to go buy them from pharmacies where we can’t afford them,” said Ndeze.

Yohan Zirimwabagabo, also considers the lack of enough medical staff as the biggest predicament facing people in the area.

"My visit aims at understanding conditions in health facilities, working conditions and putting health programs into action,” Dr. Binangwaho said.

She promised that the government would soon provide adequate equipment and drugs in health facilities.

"Education is a process and Rwanda has only four schools of nursing but 400 nurses will soon graduate and it will help bridge the gap though it will  still be enough,” explained Binangwaho.

The minister encouraged people to improve on their personal hygiene, which does not require a lot of resources.

"Simple things like wearing shoes are ignored but they are very paramount in our health,” She emphasised.

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