KIGALI - The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) is in the process of opening up other hospitals across the country after turning Kanombe Military Hospital into a successful healthcare provider.

The additional hospitals are part of an expansion drive that has also seen Kanombe Hospital get referral status and change its name to Rwanda Military Hospital.

In an interview with The New Times yesterday, the Director of the hospital, Col Dr. Ben Karenzi, said that under the new arrangement, they will be able to expand smoothly.

"The government changed the name of the hospital to enable us support other hospitals since there are possibilities of opening up other military hospital branches,” Karenzi said.

The ambitious expansion plan is expected to cost at least $73 million over five years.

The Minister of Defence was, in Parliament last week where MPs said they were impressed with the performance of the hospital and the direction it is taking.

Karenzi observed that Kanombe’s referral status has come at a time when the hospital offers unique services.

"We are the only hospital in the country that has a Clinical Hematologist who specializes in blood diseases,” Karenzi said, adding that there are other ongoing changes including upgrading their infrastructure to accommodate more patients.

The RDF also operates an insurance scheme – Military Medical Insurance (MMI) that, like the hospital, accommodates non military personnel.

The Forces also annually conduct an "Army week” where officers offer free medical services to Rwandans and foreigners in countries where they serve as peacekeepers.

Members of Parliament have called on other health institutions to learn efficient service delivery techniques from Kanombe Hospital.

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