Ernest Sibobugingo did not have a disability from birth. He is just one of the many victims of the lack of professionalism, experience, and resources that still impede some aspects of the health sector in Rwanda. Sibobugingo had knee replacement surgery after an accident. For 37 years, he stayed with knee screws which should have been removed within a year of the implant. He was then subjected to ratcheting pain and bone deformation, resulting in overall leg length discrepancy and hip deformation. “I had no idea I had stayed with them longer than necessary because my previous doctor had not informed me and I had never returned for consultation. Until the pain became unbearable and I decided to have another check-up,” he explained. Sibobugingo was transferred to Inkurunziza Orthopedic Hospital this time, where his knee was treated again, in addition to a total hip replacement. Sibobugingo describes the hospital as a “miraculous place”, a sentiment shared by many others. “I like how you can get treatment regardless of your insurance situation. Mutuelle de Sante insurance is usually not accepted in private hospitals, which means that people who cannot afford it usually miss out on certain health requirements,” shared Sister Eugenie, who was accompanying a patient at the hospital. Inkurunziza Orthopaedic Hospital, located in Kicukiro District, Gikondo suburb, was established by the Inkurunziza Church in 1997. It is one of Rwanda’s few, specialised in the correction of bone or muscle deformities, particularly in children. With 50 specialised doctors, it serves over 12000 patients. In addition to general medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, dentistry, orthopaedics, laboratory, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and orthopaedic workshops, it also provides about 20 clinical services. In order to end the year on a positive note, the hospital’s management organised a tour to thank its partners for their support and to highlight the progress made so far. Dr Bosco Mpatswenumugabo, the hospital’s director general, said at the event that due to limited resources, they are unable to serve all those in need of their services. “For example, the hospital can only accommodate 36 in-patients at a time, but we wish we could cater to more,” he explained. In the coming year, the management plans on expanding the hospital’s capacity. Besides the need for an expansion of the premises, the hospital should also be redesigned to accommodate individuals with different disabilities, especially since they are their primary patients. While the hospital’s location does not appear to be a major issue, it remains inaccessible to some due to the gravel road that leads there. Solange Umutoni, Kicukiro District Executive Administrator, who was in attendance, assured the public of the government’s assistance in making Inkurunziza Orthopaedic Hospital’s services more accessible. “It may be difficult for the government to make an engagement in the middle of the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Annual Budget. However, if the hospital, along with the public and other partners, mobilises to build the road, we shall also assist,” she said. The hospital needs to expand its capacity in terms of size, personnel, and equipment, among other things, and everyone is needed on board to make that happen, Dr Mpatswenumugabo added.
