Rwanda opens upgraded surgical hub at Kibungo Hospital to improve access to critical care

RWANDA—Rwanda has strengthened its surgical care capabilities with the opening of a newly renovated surgical department at Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital, formerly known as Kibungo Provincial Referral Hospital.

The facility brings critical medical services closer to communities that previously faced long journeys to access specialized care.

The Ministry of Health, the University of Rwanda, and Operation Smile collaborated to develop the new facility.

The upgraded complex features modern operating theatres, an intensive care unit (ICU), a high-dependency unit (HDU), and dedicated teaching spaces that enhance both patient care and medical training.

Hub-and-spoke model reduces travel barriers

The facility operates on a “hub-and-spoke” model designed to decentralize surgical care across the region.

By upgrading district hospitals within a 75-kilometer radius, officials aim to ensure that no patient travels more than two hours to access comprehensive surgical services.

Operation Smile employs this spoke model to deliver sustainable cleft care and reconstructive surgery closer to where patients live, particularly in remote and rural areas.

The Kibungo facility builds upon momentum generated at the first Pan-African Surgical Conference held in Kigali in February 2025.

Over 400 academic leaders, policymakers, global surgery experts, and civil society representatives attended the conference to advance surgical systems across the continent.

Addressing critical workforce shortages

Professor Faustin Ntirenganya, Head of Surgery at the University of Rwanda, emphasized the urgency of expanding access to surgical care.

An estimated five billion people globally lack access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical procedures, and Rwanda faces similar challenges.

The country currently has approximately 172 surgeons, yet global standards suggest it should have more than 1,000 practitioners.

“That means we are operating at nearly eight times less than what is needed,” Dr. Ntirenganya said.

He noted that surgery requires not only personnel but also infrastructure, equipment, and technology, all of which demand sustained investment.

The government has launched its 4×4 programme to address workforce gaps.

This over Rwf500 million (USD 322,500) investment is set to cut travel expenses, provide space for medical training, and ease pressure on referral centres for surgeries.

This initiative aims to quadruple the healthcare workforce within four years to meet the WHO recommendation of at least four healthcare professionals per 1,000 population.

However, Dr. Ntirenganya cautioned that increasing human resources must accompany expanded facilities and resources.

Comprehensive training and infrastructure development

Rwanda currently operates 14 surgical training programmes, including residency and fellowship tracks, with approximately 226 trainees in the system.

This represents a substantial increase from previous years, though Dr. Ntirenganya acknowledged that training can take between six to nine years after medical school.

Andrew Karima, Operation Smile Rwanda Country Manager, described the programme as a true partnership bringing together Operation Smile and the Government of Rwanda.

The approach focuses simultaneously on training, infrastructure, equipment, and systems to make surgical care accessible and ensure it meets acceptable standards for every patient.

The Kibungo facility now features three major operating rooms and one minor operating room, allowing it to perform a broader range of procedures efficiently.

These developments form part of Operation Smile’s global Operation 100 initiative, which aims to equip 100 cleft operative teams across 100 hospitals worldwide.