Rwandan surgeons at King Faisal Hospital (KFH) together with a visiting team of American surgeons successfully performed three living donor kidney transplants, the Ministry of Health announced on May 26.

The launch of the medical service is in line with the Government's efforts to reduce costly medical referrals abroad, the Ministry indicated through a press release. Over the past seven years, it said, 67 Rwandan patients were transferred abroad for kidney transplants, costing approximately Rwf900 million — or more than Rwf13 million per patient.

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The programme will continue to run on a monthly basis, with the visiting surgical team working alongside the KFH team for the next two years when this complex care will be independently managed by local specialists.

The hospital noted that the development gives hope to patients and their families.

"This accomplishment underscores the importance of investing in quality healthcare services that transform lives. Our sincere gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for investing in this noble healthcare cause," it said.

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The hospital operates subspecialty fellowship programmes through the University of Rwanda&039;s School of Medicine and Pharmacy, including in nephrology (branch of medicine dealing with kidney care, disease diagnosis and treatment) and renal transplant surgery, which aims to increase health professionals in highly specialised areas.

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The Parliament has already approved the law on the use of human organs, tissues, and cells, which gives guidelines on the process of organ donation by Rwandans aged 18 years and above. This legislation paved the way for kidney transplantation services, and teaching related programmes in the country.