Rwanda’s Masaka Hospital receives surgical equipment upgrade from China

RWANDA—Masaka Hospital in Kicukiro District has received new medical equipment valued at Rwf 30 million (USD 33,000), marking a significant step toward enhancing the facility’s surgical capabilities and patient care delivery.

The Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, alongside the Chinese medical team, handed over the equipment on Friday, April 10.

The donation includes a hydraulic, integrated operating table, a stainless-steel instrument table, a manual wheelchair, and a surgical operating lamp.

These additions directly address the hospital’s need to upgrade its operating theatre facilities.

Oreste Tuganeyezu, Head of the Department of Clinical and Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the equipment will transform surgical services at Masaka.

He explained that the materials will enhance operating theatre functionality and enable the hospital to expand access to surgical care.

By upgrading existing operating rooms, the facility can now deliver services around the clock, more effectively meeting patient demand.

Years of continued partnership

This donation builds on decades of collaborative efforts between China and Rwanda in the health sector.

The Chinese government has deployed 18 medical professionals to work across Masaka and Kibungo hospitals, focusing on both direct patient treatment and knowledge transfer to local staff.

Their contribution extends beyond equipment donations; previous initiatives have included the construction of Masaka Hospital itself and the renovation of Kibungo Hospital in Ngoma District, alongside comprehensive training programmes.

Chinese Ambassador Gao Wenqi underscored the significance of this ongoing partnership.

He stated that the donation reflects China’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s healthcare development and improving the lives of Rwandans.

The ambassador noted that healthcare facilities developed through this collaboration now serve more than 500,000 residents across the country.

Impact and Future Vision

Since 1982, China has deployed 26 medical teams comprising 343 professionals to Rwanda.

These teams have treated over 720,000 patients and performed more than 40,000 surgical procedures.

In just two months, the current team has conducted over 200 operations, treated more than 5,000 patients, and introduced innovative techniques, including a childbirth method combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern obstetrics at Masaka Hospital.

They have also performed the first thyroid and breast surgeries at Kibungo Hospital.

Looking ahead, ongoing expansion works at Masaka Hospital will establish it as Rwanda’s largest modern teaching and referral facility.

The facility will eventually house the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), relocating from Nyarugenge District.

Gao pledged continued Chinese support for this transformation, emphasizing that both nations remain committed to deepening their medical cooperation.

Jean-Damascène Hanyurwimfura, Director General of Masaka Hospital, acknowledged that the partnership has significantly strengthened service delivery.

He highlighted how the presence of medical experts benefits not only patients but also enables local staff to acquire new skills and knowledge, ultimately reinforcing Rwanda’s healthcare system.