Masaka and Kibungo Hospitals are set to enhance healthcare delivery in Rwanda with the establishment of six new specialized treatment centers with a particular focus on hernia treatment. A hernia happens when part of an organ protrudes through your muscle wall, usually in your abdomen or groin. Spearheaded by the Chinese medical team in Rwanda, the centers, which were unveiled on November 25, under the China-Rwanda health cooperation, are expected to improve the quality of patient care by offering more professional, standardized, and refined treatments for various diseases and conditions. ALSO READ: Chinese medics offer free care to Rwamagana residents At Masaka Hospital in Kicukiro District, the newly launched facilities include the centre for obstetric analgesia, one for hernia, another for orthopaedic trauma, and one for day surgery. Kibungo Hospital in Ngoma District has a centre for hernia and a specialized clinic for pain. The Centre for Day Surgery at Masaka Hospital is designed to provide simple, non-invasive surgeries that do not require an overnight stay. This will allow patients to receive treatment and return home on the same day. ALSO READ: Towards a new chapter for China and Rwanda Surgeries performed at the center will include ganglion cyst removal, lipoma removal, sebaceous cyst removal, hemangioma treatment, abscess removal, among other services. These surgeries are typically quick and less complex, offering patients a more efficient treatment experience. These centers will help equip Rwandan doctors with the necessary skills. Initially, Chinese doctors will perform surgeries while Rwandan doctors observe. Later, both Chinese and Rwandan doctors will work together on surgeries. Eventually, Rwandan doctors will gain the skills to perform surgeries independently. “Over the past two years, we have attended to over 200 hernia cases. This recurring issue led the medical team to prioritize it,” said Jean-Damascène Hanyurwimfura, the Director of Masaka Hospital. “Here, we offer maternity services, and everyone knows how painful delivery can be. The team wanted to provide assistance by offering obstetric analgesia to alleviate that pain. This is just the beginning, and we hope other services will follow soon.” Hanyurwimfura said the initiative provides an opportunity for Rwandan doctors to acquire necessary skills to perform the various types of surgeries independently. This will also help the country make another in the training of professional medical personnel. ALSO READ: Unpacking Rwanda's plan to become a medical tourism hub “Rwandans are learning, and they share these skills with their peers. This not only enhances service delivery but will eventually benefit everyone, both locals and foreigners staying in Rwanda,” he said. The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, acknowledged the significance of these healthcare developments, which were possible thanks to the collaboration between the two countries in the health sector. “I’m quite glad today that we unveiled six new specialized treatment centers which are based on the long term cooperation between our two countries. These centers will provide a platform to deepen cooperation, especially providing treatment and resources to the local people. It’s good progress made in the medical field,” Wang said. “Chinese doctors are bringing in new technology for the treatment, not forgetting to mention the Centre for Hernia and more. They will share techniques, knowledge, with many in the centers,” he added.
