KIGALI - In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, the United States-based Northern Albert Institute of Technology has donated an assortment of medical equipment worth Rwf 50 million to Kigali Health Institute (KHI).

The items mainly include dental equipment such as oral X-ray machines, operator chairs and lights, film developing fixers and a variety of text books.

Shortly after handing over the equipment, Dr. Drew Cahoon, a representative from the institute, said the donation was aimed at facilitating students in their studies.

"There is a long term plan to support the health sector, especially oral therapy,” said Cahoon.

KHI’s head of Dental Department, Dr. Ibra Muhumuza thanked the US Institute for the assistance, saying it would significantly help students excel in dental therapy.

"When the students eventually get good training, they will often conduct community outreach programmes to offer oral health services to the Rwandan community in general,” Muhumuza said.

He added that the donation was timely as KHI aspires to excel in training, healthcare, and community outreach.

"The quality of education and capacity to deliver good services has been taken to a higher level. It will strengthen their ability to offer clinical care to patients with oral health problems,” he observed.

He revealed that some of the items would be forwarded to referral hospitals to reinforce oral health service delivery.

Some of the hospitals to benefit from the offer include Rwamagana, Ruhengeri, Nyamata, Gisenyi, CHUB and Kanombe Military Hospital.

Jean Luc Niragire, a third year Dental student at KHI, observed that students from the department aim to learn how to use the modern equipment to improve their clinical practical sessions. 

"The capacity of the department, in terms of clinical training care, has received a major boost,” he noted.

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