Kudos to Rwanda’s first female surgeon

Editor, Re: “No dream is unattainable, says Rwanda’s first female surgeon” (The New Times, September 17). Some time ago, The New Times carried an interview with Rwanda’s first pilot who shared the challenges and obstacles she faced as she climbed the ladder to join RwandAir and take the national carrier high above the clouds. Yet again, it was wonderful to read that Rwanda has produced her first female surgeon. Women empowerment in the country is well manifested through; a pilot first and now a surgeon — the 33-year-old Dr Alice Niragire of the Rwamagana Provincial Hospital. As Dr Niragire so rightly remarked, “No dream is unattainable”. The fact that Dr Niragire is also a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is all the more creditable. Being only a young girl of 12 years during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and having lost both her dear parents would have been a nightmare. Please allow me to express my sincere congratulations to Rwanda’s first female surgeon. Our healthcare partner, the world class super specialty SevenHills Hospital, has an ongoing TVET programme for Rwandan nurses. Indeed, we would be delighted to work out a comprehensive “Advanced Training” for Dr Niragire, if she is so interested in the same. The surgeon could get in touch with the undersigned on rwandacalling@gmail.com. When the Rwamagana School of Nursing and Midwifery celebrated its Golden Jubilee a few years back, we did invite the principal and two outstanding nurses to Mumbai. Now, we would be very pleased to invite Dr Niragire to Incredible India! Clarence Fernandes, Mumbai, India

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Kudos to Rwanda’s first female surgeon