The Minister of Health, Dr Agnes Binagwaho, has urged private medical practitioners to be professional while providing healthcare.

While meeting with private medical petitioners, she acknowledged the role they play in the sector.

"The private sector plays a big role in terms of providing health care to our nationals. We need you to offer good and quality services. We should build and support our people through giving quality, affordable care for the benefit of our citizens,” she urged the participants.

The minister pointed out that for the country to have an excellent healthcare system, those in private practice need adequate infrastructure in addition to educating the population on health issues.

Dr Jean Nyirinkwaya, the Chief Executive Officer of Hospital La Croix Du Sud, and president of the Rwanda Private Medical Association, pointed out that the government should recognise private medical facilitators and respond to their problems.

"We want the  government to know our role and what we are doing. We also want Rwandans to get enough quality treatment,” he told reporters, adding that they too are affected by the shortage of medical personnel and equipment.

Though private medical centres were commended for quality and promptly responding to patients, there are concerns that services are too costly for ordinary Rwandans.

"Private clinics respond quickly and their services are quite good, but if you do not have enough money, you can’t access their services,” Benson Mutsinzi a Kacyiru resident observed..

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