KIGALI - A two-day meeting of the East African Healthcare leadership bringing together policymakers and other stakeholders will be held in Kigali next week.

The conference that will draw participants from both private and public sector, will focus on exploring investment opportunities in the health sector as well as discussing private healthcare services.

According to Dismas Mokua, the conference’s spokesperson, participants will discuss a wide range of issues including, access to capital, policy review and regulatory frameworks.

Tax incentives and interventions as well as formulation of a common agenda on medical devices acquisition is also on the agenda.

"Experts will engage in structured conversations on the role of private healthcare in East Africa, adoption of best practices as well as creating regional private sector-driven partnerships that are expected to translate into high quality affordable healthcare,” Mokua said.

He noted that the conference is a great opportunity for Rwanda’s healthcare players to strategically position their products and services.

Mokua explained that finance experts will examine the role of private equity funds to invest in expansion of private healthcare facilities.

‘’We have delegations from America and Europe who will use the conference as a source of market intelligence,” he said.

Local private healthcare service providers are hopeful the conference will assist in improving their day-to-day activities.  

In an interview, Dr. Jean Dieudonne Gatsinga, who operates a health centre in Gikondo, Kicukiro District, said the conference would help in identifying challenges affecting the sector.

"It is an opportunity that will enable us to share experiences, discuss effects in our operations and devise means to counter factors affecting us,” Gatsinga said.

He pointed out that it will play a significant role in improving services in the private healthcare sector.

The conference will draw participants from hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, investors, financiers, suppliers, academia and the media.

Countries including Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and the host Rwanda will be represented.

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