The Ministry of Health has appointed a joint investigation team to re-investigate the alleged clinical malpractices at Baho International Hospital. Since mid this year, the Kigali-based private health facility has been subjected to public scrutiny, with many people taking to social media to complain about it, for alleged poor service delivery, hygiene, and at least one case of misdiagnosis. The most recent of problems at the hospital emerged late this week when the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrested two of its doctors as part of investigations into the death of a female patient who passed away on Thursday, September 9, after checking in for a minor surgery. A day later, the Health Ministry resolved to appoint a senior joint committee of nine officials to carry out a thorough probe into the hospital. The development was confirmed to The New Times by Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga, the Minister of State in Charge of Primary Health Care. According to a document that this newspaper accessed, the team includes senior officials like Dr. Corneille Ntihabose, the Head of Clinical and Public Health services at the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Lysette Umutesi, the Head of the Medical Department at Rwanda Social Security Board It also comprises Hesron Byiringiro, a Rwanda Food and Drug Authority Official, Innocent Kagabo, a National Council of Nurses and Midwives member, Jean Damascene Gasherebuka, the Chairperson of the Rwanda Allied Health Professional Council, and Philbert Ciza, a Ministry of Health official. Jean Damascene Hanyurwimfura, a Rwanda Medical and Dental Council member, Fidele Bimenyimana, a National Pharmacy Council member, and Donatien Ntagara Ngabo, an official from the Ministry of Health are the other people on the team. A communiques addressed to the appointed officials by the Health Ministry read: “Reference is made to repetitive alleged Malpractices at Baho International Hospital in the recent past mostly related to gynecological and surgical procedures; the Ministry of Health is appointing you as Members of Investigation Team to review the service delivery and related systems issues that could be linked to alleged malpractice and propose recommendations accordingly.” “You are requested to start the investigation on 10th September 2021 and provide a comprehensive report in 5 working days.” About two months ago, the Ministry of Health launched a brief investigation on the private hospital after several people took to social media to complain about it. Days later, the management of the hospital came out and apologised to patients who had received poor services from it, and promised to do better. “We would like to express our sincere apology to the public and especially our patients whom we have let down recently in customer care,” reads a letter from the hospital, signed by Joseph Kayibanda, the Hospital Chairperson. “BIH remains committed to implementing the necessary steps to ensure that all patients and customers are taken care of to the highest degree of excellence and in line with the development of Rwandas health sector”.
