RWAMAGANA - Rwamagana Hospital, in collaboration with a neighbouring Catholic Parish, yesterday celebrated Day of the Sick.The day was supposed to have been commemorated in May.

Dr. Claude Ndagijimana, the hospital’s director, said the event brought together patients, hospital staff, religious leaders and the local community.

He disclosed that as part of the hospital’s social corporate responsibility, patients were presented with various items worth Rwf 2.3 million.

"We had no time last May to celebrate this important day...but better late than never. Our noble work is normally, to treat and oversee the welfare of our patients. This is what we are demonstrating,” he said.

He also used the occasion to sensitise the residents to pay health insurance, commonly known as ‘Mutuelle de sante’.

Ndagijimana attributed the rise in medical insurance fees to efforts aimed at meeting treatment requirements and ensuring better services.

"You will have to pay between Rwf 3,000 and Rwf 7,000, depending on your financial capacity. Of course, some of you won’t pay a single coin, because you don’t have the money, but this payment must be done in time.”

Sister Agnes Mukagashumba of Rwamagana Catholic Parish said that the celebrations make people reflect on the meaning of suffering.

She advised that the day should touch the conscience of every individual, and make them more sensitive to the concerns of sick people.

Agnes Mukagahigi, 45, a patient who had spent seven days at the hospital, echoed the need for the community to care for the sick.

She said that the pain of sickness worsens when relatives and friends neglect the concerns of the sick.

"The cry of a sick person does not necessarily come from the pain he or she suffers. It could be a cry to attract the attention of the community, care and love,” she said.

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