World Vision donates 50 beds, mattresses to Kigeme Hospital

Kigeme Hospital in Nyamagabe District has received a donation of 50 beds, 50 mattresses and 250 bed-sheets to help it cope with a growing number of patients and Congolese refugees sheltered at Kigeme refugee camp, about a kilometre from the district hospital.The donation, courtesy of World Vision, came as a result of an increase in the numbers of patients seeking services at the hospital since the camp was established over a year ago.Kigeme refugee camp, which was set up mid-last year, hosts over 18,000 refugees who fled after fighting broke out between government forces and the M23 rebel movement.Though a health post has been constructed in the area, Kigeme Hospital remains the most used facility for patients referred from the camps.According to the hospital director, Dr Eric Munezero, there has been a significant increase in numbers of patients at the hospital since the camp was set up.The hospital has a capacity of 158 beds.The beds have been placed in a newly constructed pediatrics wing which has been the most overwhelmed section.According to hospital figures, the number of patients seeking pediatric care grew from 52 in March to 272 in July.Timely donation Munezero described the donation as ‘very timely.”“Sometimes some wings got overwhelmed that we had to move patients to other sections, often different from what they are being treated for,” Dr Munezero said, noting that they hope to improve on their services.George Gitau, the World Vision Country director, said by donating to the hospital they wanted to contribute to improving services there and, in particular, “ensure that children are well taken care of and protected.”The Minister for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Seraphine Mukantabana, who officiated at the Monday ceremony, urged the hospital management to make proper use of the equipment to the benefit of the community.She called upon patients and hospital staff to guard the materials jealously so they can longer.Minister Mukantabana said the government and its partners will continue to support the hospital and improve on its capacity to provide quality health care.

National

World Vision donates 50 beds, mattresses to Kigeme Hospital