PHOTOS: Rwandan military medics give free treatment to over 32,000 patients in rural areas

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) medical specialists deployed mainly in rural areas under the three-month Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2024 which started on March 1, in partnership with local authorities have treated, free of charge, 32,069 patients in 10 rural districts, it emerges. The programme aims to support the national socio-economic development agenda. The RDF medical corps have already been to Kayonza, Nyagatare, Bugesera, Rulindo, Gakenke, Karongi, Rutsiro, Gicumbi, Ruhango, and Nyamasheke districts where they offered free medical consultations and surgery operations, among others. Details obtained by The New Times on Friday, May 3, indicate that in addition to performing 2,871 separate surgery operations, the military medical corps also provided education on family planning and malnutrition to hundreds of thousands other rural folks. A statement notes that medical personnel from Rwanda Military Hospital planned to treat more than 500 in the districts of Ruhango and Nyamasheke, from April 29 to May 5, as they continued to provide free complimentary medical treatment to people countrywide. The statement indicates that at Kibogora Hospital in Nyamasheke District and Kinazi Hospital in Ruhango District, “approximately 500 patients are treated each day,” relieving many people within these communities of healthcare costs. ALSO READ: RDF, Police unveil 2024 citizen outreach programme “Medics will transfer to Gitwe Hospital in the upcoming week. The services offered during this outreach encompass Orthopedics, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), Pediatrics, Dentistry, and Clinical Psychology,” reads the statement. The Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Defence Force, on Friday, rolled out community development activities under what is dubbed as the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2024, to support the national socio-economic development agenda. https://t.co/hHkjao2mdf — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) March 2, 2024 Albert Ngamije, 66, a resident of Kinazi Sector in Ruhango District, expressed gratitude to President Paul Kagame who is the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF for deploying the army and police to provide free healthcare to Rwandans. He said: I had a disturbing vision problem and an ophthalmologist provided care, prescribing complimentary medications to improve my sight. It's impressive to receive treatment from a military professional. Beatha Mukandekezi, 59, a resident of Cyato Sector in Nyamasheke District, had previously struggled to get a good dentist. Upon hearing that RDF medics were coming to the area, she rushed to be among the first to receive treatment. She said: I've been informed that the medicines I received today are more effective for my toothache. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the army for bringing their high-quality medical services to remote places like ours here.” Dr Emile Tuyishime, the director of Kinazi Provincial Hospital, noted that his staff benefitted from observing RDF medics at work. Their exemplary customer care and ability to properly treat a large number of people, in such a short period of time, and ensuring their satisfaction is a good practice that we've noted and will consistently implement in our daily operations, he said. The Mayor of Nyamasheke District, Narcisse Mupenzi, said: When the RDF and the national police engage in such initiatives, it paints a distinct picture for us. “The people we talk to express a desire for consistent medical outreach efforts like these. The current initiatives in our district focus on healthcare, early childhood development, and infrastructure. These endeavours will elevate us to a new level, as we have, for long, sought after ample funding to support these endeavors. The latest defence and security outreach programme conducted under the theme 30 Years of Liberation: Defence and Security Organs with the Community Partnering for Rwanda’s Development, also incorporates initiatives such as construction of 31 homes for people in need, construction of 15 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, construction of 13 bridges, and the distribution of four boats. Other efforts include the distribution of 800 livestock for community farming, provision of medical treatment, water and electricity supply to 327 households, and enhancement of other infrastructures.

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PHOTOS: Rwandan military medics give free treatment to over 32,000 patients in rural areas