The Ministry of Health (MoH) has begun a nationwide inspection of private health facilities to ensur that standards guaranteeing delivery of quality health-care are adhered to.

The exercise that started last week has so far been be conducted in 10 districts but will cover all the 30 districts, according to Emmanuel Gahungu, the official in-charge of private health facilities in the Ministry.

"We have a team of officials from the ministry, from the National Reference Laboratory as well as district officials. When we conduct the inspections, we consider whether or not a health facility was authorised to operate, whether it meets the hygienic and sanitation standards, and if they are not, then we close them,” he explained.

In the 10 districts inspected so far, some facilities were found operating without authorisation by the ministry and delivered services in conditions that did not meet set standards.

"By cracking down on such substandard health facilities, we will promote quality healthcare and prevent unnecessary deaths that may occur. This is also a way of regulating the private sector so that every operator understands that there are procedures and regulations to follow when setting up health facilities,” Gahungu added.

Close to 20 dispensaries and clinics lacked authorisation documents in Gasabo, Rubavu, Musanze, Muhanga, Rwamagana, Ngoma, Rusizi and Kirehe districts.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho said that while the government seeks to promote the private sector, regulations must be followed to ensure that health facilities are set up according to the set standards.

 "Health is a very sensitive issue. We cannot have unauthorised people offer sub-standard services to our population.  Health services must be offered in acceptable housing facilities and with qualified personnel. Rwanda has registered a lot of progress in the health domain and we will do whatever it takes to advance progress,” she said.

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