Members of Parliament, on Thursday, lauded the management of Kanombe Military Hospital, and the country’s military doctors, for their commitment to efficient health service delivery.

The lawmakers complimented the facility as Defense Minister, James Kabarebe, presented two crucial bills – one on the military medical insurance (MMI) scheme and another – on the conversion of the facility into the Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH).

During the debate on the MMI bill, Dr. Ezechias Rwabuhihi thanked the armed forces medical corps for what he said was their various exemplary activities, benefiting all Rwandans.

Dr. Rwabuhihi said: "Our soldiers do not have lots of resources but they have an insurance company that works and has attained an admirable standing. This is significant support even to the economy of the entire country.”

Kabarebe responded, noting that: "This is because of how we understand security and how we explain it. We look at the entire wellbeing of the country – social, political, and economic. When these are disrupted, security is disrupted too and that is why when we connect with the population, it is to perform our responsibility – giving our people and country security.”

"It is a responsibility we are delighted to fulfill. We only wish we had enough resources to do even more.”

MP Amiel Ngabo said the service delivery approach at KMH is unique compared to other hospitals.

Ngabo added: "All other hospitals send doctors abroad for training but when you look at what is going on, on the ground, you find that it is military doctors that show more returns, than other Rwandans.”

Marie Rose Mureshyankwano advised that when the hospital later acquires a referral status, it should not relapse and "work like some of the other hospitals in the country, which I won’t mention, but seem as if they are referrals, only in name.”

Unlike most MPs, Francoise Mukayisenga boldly proclaimed that people prefer getting treated from KMH than at King Faisal Hospital.

Jeanne d’Arc Nyinawase highlighted KMH’s "noticeable customer care,” especially to women in labour.

According to Nyinawase, there are many cases "that I know that moved from Muhima hospital to Kanombe hospital and on arrival, then mothers gave birth properly, and maternal deaths reduced.”

Nyinawase noted that KMH should be facilitated more to be able cater for an ever increasing number of pregnant women.

In Julienne Uwacu’s opinion, everything is explained by the fact that the country’s armed force has a culture of sacrifice and selflessness coupled with hard work even where circumstances are difficult.

"I think that is why even though Kanombe Military Hospital doesn’t have a budget or enough equipment and infrastructure, it provides far better service than hospitals that have more infrastructure and staff.”

80 percent of KMH patients are not from the armed forces.

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