Nurse arrested over forged papers

Police is holding a medical officer at Kibuye Hospital, Karongi District for practicing using forged academic transcripts. Jean Dushime Bigilimana, 32, who by press time was being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Kacyiru, was arrested last Friday after a tip-off. Addressing the press yesterday, Police spokesperson, Supt. Eric Kayiranga confirmed the arrest and said that the suspect has been practicing illegally for the last seven months. According to Kayiranga, Bigilimana, a professional Nurse (A2) from ESSA Ruhengeri who pursued a diploma (A1) in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) posed as a degree holder from Kampala International University (KIU). The said forged academic transcripts from KIU seen by The New Times indicate that Bigilimana graduated with a bachelor of Medicine and Surgery on November 7, 2008.It was, however, revealed that pioneer students in the faculty will graduate next year. “After getting a tip-off, we investigated and we actually found he is not a graduate of KIU as he alleges,” Kayiranga said. The suspect is a resident of Tero in Musanze District and a former employee of Muhororo hospital in the Western Province. He was appointed as the medical officer at Kibuye hospital by Dr. Richard Sezibera, the Minister of Health.The appointment letter only dated 2009, seen by The New Times, also copied to the Minister of Public Service and Labour and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health among others, was a reference to a letter dated November 10, 2009 by the suspect applying for the job (Medical Officer). Bigilimana was also last year registered as a member of Rwanda Medical Council, with a certificate of registration signed by the President of the Medical Council. He faces charges of counterfeit and impersonation and could face between one month and 10 years in prison if found guilty. Ends

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Nurse arrested over forged papers