RDF to set up seven field clinics

The Rwanda Defence Forces has acquired its first Brigade-based clinic in Gicumbi District to serve troops attached to the 503 Brigade.The clinic, which is based at the brigade headquarters, was launched by the Commandant of Rwanda Military Hospital, Col. Dr Ben Karenzi.The clinic will offer the same services as any health centres but with some services that are normally provided by district hospitals, and besides the troops, they will serve the local population.The civilians will be allowed access to the facility using the community medical insurance, Mutuelle de Santé.The renovation and equipment of the structures hosting the clinic was funded by the US Department of Defence (DoD), through Drew Cares International Rwanda.“The clinic will provide comprehensive care to all persons affected by HIV/Aids as well as offer treatment for other diseases. This is in line with the government/RDF policy of military health professionals being put at the disposal of the population,” said Karenzi.Building capacityApart from the Gicumbi clinic, Drew Cares International Rwanda and RDF plan to open other brigade-based clinics in Nyabihu, Ngoma, Muhanga, Rusizi and Huye districts.The total budget allocated for all the clinics is $840,000 (about Rwf546 million).Dr Mike Grillo, the DoD regional programme manager for Central Africa, said they provided technical support and funds while the RDF will do the rest.Drew Care International Rwanda is an affiliate of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and has been involved in HIV-related organisational capacity building of governmental and NGO bodies in sub-Saharan Africa for nearly a decade. Karenzi said opportunities should be explored to promote capacity building of RDF health professionals in military medicine.“Capacity building can be accomplished through exchange programmes, mentorships and professional training,” he said.He said priority areas include emergency medicine, medical imaging diagnostics, internal medicine, and oncology.

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RDF to set up seven field clinics