MUHANGA-The Rwanda Medical Association (RMA) plans to step up its advocacy program and strengthen team spirit.

The RMA members, drawn from all hospitals, also agreed on the need to uphold professionalism and increase on service delivery, during a meeting held in Muhanga district, last Saturday.

The meeting also announced a five-year strategic plan to include improving on the communication strategy, putting in place a website, database, and setting up regional fora among others.

Dr. Stephen Rulisa, the chairman of RMA said, "The activities of the association will be enhanced and more effort will be put on advocating for medics and sharing of information.”

He noted that the association has been inactive since its establishment in 1995. He, however, pointed out that it had now managed to acquire a permanent secretariat as well as accreditation.

The members also reviewed and deliberated on a new constitution and statute. They also renewed their membership into the association and called on all medics to join the forum.

One of the members, Dr. Diane Tuyishimire, said the move would enable doctors to work and share information to improve their practice and profession.

She said: "Doctors need to be in close contact with each other. This will enable us to benefit a great deal especially from the establishment of regional fora and advocacy for an improved social welfare, training and knowledge sharing.”

The medics were also encouraged to pursue continuous professional development for improved skills and knowledge.

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