It was a sunny Friday on November 8 in Karenge Sector, Rwamagana District, where over 200 residents from nearby villages gathered at the local health centre. The usually quiet Karenge Health Centre bustled with conversation and anticipation as the people waited their turn in a free medical clinic hosted by a Chinese medical team in Rwanda, in collaboration with Masaka Hospital on November 8. Some had come for traditional Chinese treatments, while others were there for general check-ups and specialized care. ALSO READ: Chinese medics treat over 12,000 Rwandan patients Seated on a bench just outside the doctor’s door, 73-year-old Alphonsine Mukankubito patiently held her walking stick, waiting for her turn. For over three years, Mukankubito had endured chronic muscle pain, a dull ache that complicates her daily life. Today, she’s here for a session of traditional Chinese medicine—a treatment she hopes will bring her relief. “My pain has been persistent, and I couldn’t find the right treatment,” she said, glancing at the entrance of the room where the Chinese doctors were working from. “When I heard about this free clinic, I woke up very early to make it here. I’m grateful that the Chinese doctors have come all this way to reach us in our remote village.” ALSO READ: How Rwanda, China ties have impacted health sector Her voice is filled with optimism as she watches patients emerge from the clinic with smiles of relief. So far, over 30 residents have already benefited from these Chinese traditional treatments. Inside, the Chinese medical team, in partnership with Masaka Hospital healthcare workers, is providing specialized treatments and consultations. Among the doctors is Dr. Zhang He Ping, a senior member of the team that nears their tour of duty in Rwanda. Dr. Zhang explained the long-term vision of their work, saying, “Chinese medical teams have been working in Rwanda since 1982, and the current team here is the 24th from Inner Mongolia. Through collaboration and hands-on experience, we’re elevating the skills of local healthcare workers in surgery, diagnostics, and public health.” Dr. Jean Damascene Hanyurwimfura, the Director General of Masaka Hospital, reflected on the partnership’s outcome, saying, “We’re gaining techniques and practices that will stay with us, transforming healthcare for the future. This isn’t just about immediate support; it’s about building a lasting legacy of improved healthcare.” Working closely with the Chinese team, Rwandan doctors and graduates from medical schools get to learn advanced skills in surgery, pain management, and maternal care, benefiting patients long after the Chinese doctors have left. One of the most appreciated services is painless delivery for expectant mothers. The Chinese medical team has introduced a form of epidural anesthesia that uses a lower concentration of medication compared to cesarean sections, minimizing any drug passing to the baby. This painless delivery method reduces the discomfort of labour, creating a calm and supportive experience for mothers. Dr. Hanyurwimfura highlighted the team’s dedication to reaching underserved communities. “We’ve treated over 800 patients this year,” he said. “In addition to our work at Masaka and Kibungo hospitals, we organize mobile clinics in remote areas to reach patients who cannot easily access care.” He said the Chinese team is made up of 15 practitioners with specialties in internal medicine, gynecology, dental care, physiotherapy, and general surgery. For residents like 30-year-old Josiane Akayezu, the clinic is a lifeline. Josiane, who experienced complications with a birth control implant that failed, hoped the Chinese doctors could help remove it and restore her health. “I went to other hospitals, but I couldn’t afford the transportation costs,” Akayezu said. “This outreach helps us, the poor. We thank our leaders for caring about those who cannot afford expensive treatment.” The clinic has attracted residents from different parts of Rwamagana District, including Bicaca, Kabasore, Nyarubare, Nyamatete, and Byimana. “To improve Rwanda’s healthcare in the long term, we believe in expanding primary healthcare infrastructure and strengthening public health systems together. It’s a mutual effort that holds the promise of lasting impact,” Dr. Zhang said. Besides treatment, a message of prevention has also been delivered. Some patients who spoke The New Times that they had signs of sickness but had never sought medical support until they heard about the mobile clinic in their areas. “I had recurrent skin changes, lumps, and changes on nipple, which I thought were not a problem,” said one resident who preferred anonymity. “But the Chinese gynaecologist told me that I made the right decision to come for a checkup because I was developing breast cancer slowly.”
