There is need for a dedicated medical workforce

The country has carried out several reforms and various initiatives have been introduced to improve the health sector. These include the community-based health insurance scheme, Mutuelle deSante, and the rollout of health facilities across the country, equipped with ambulances and the required medical supplies. All this investment would, however, be futile without dedicated medical personnel because these are central. As put by the Minister of Health, to the National Medical Council, the role of medics should not be to treat symptoms, but rather the root cause of the disease. The practitioners should fully embrace the Patients’ Charter that is displayed at all medical facilities, by providing the necessary services to patients as enshrined in the charter. Medical personnel should also maintain a passion of their profession, by regarding it as a calling, rather than an ordinary job for which they expect remuneration at the end of the month. We have seen physicians who complete studies and opt for lucrativejobs, especially with international NGOs. Much as their services with the NGOs somehow benefits Rwandans, they are needed more in the practice where the need for doctors is still a matter of national concern. Ends

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There is need for a dedicated medical workforce