Rwanda’s CHUK Hospital adopts Echo-Endoscopy for enhanced gastrointestinal care

RWANDA —The University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) has acquired advanced endoscopy technology, integrating endoscopy and ultrasound, which allows for simultaneous evaluation of gastrointestinal pathologies and less invasive biopsies.

This acquisition places Rwanda among the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa equipped with echo-endoscopy, also known as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

According to officials, this cutting-edge technology provides detailed images and information about the digestive tract and surrounding tissues and organs, facilitating diagnosing conditions such as pancreatic cancer and bile duct stones.

In a statement, Dr. Martin Nyundo, the director of clinical services at CHUK, lauded the new equipment as a significant advancement in diagnostic capabilities.

He highlighted that it simplifies the diagnostic process, saves time, and expedites treatment.

Dr. Nyundo explained that the high-fidelity technique allows clinicians to visualize the pathology and perform a biopsy immediately easily.

Unlike traditional endoscopy, which often requires further imaging and surgical procedures, EUS provides a more streamlined approach.

Dr. Nyundo further emphasized that the new technology will considerably shorten the diagnostic timeline.

The ability to quickly obtain a biopsy and start treatment faster is a game-changer in patient care.

Additionally, echo-endoscopy offers superior image resolution compared to Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans.

The technology also enables Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for biopsy, allowing for precise diagnosis and staging of cancers with minimal invasiveness and lower risk of complications compared to surgical biopsy.

Fine-needle aspiration, also known as a fine-needle biopsy, is a procedure where healthcare providers use a thin needle and syringe to extract cells, tissue, and fluids from a suspicious lump or abnormal body area.

This minimally invasive technique is instrumental in achieving quick and accurate diagnoses.

Rwanda’s acquisition of echo-endoscopy technology aligns with its broader healthcare goals.

The country aims to achieve universal healthcare coverage for all citizens and become a medical tourism hub, attracting patients and healthcare professionals from across the continent and beyond.

To support these ambitions, Rwanda invests in developing its healthcare human resources, expanding infrastructure, and importing essential medical equipment.

In 2020, the government established the Human Resource for Health (HRH) Secretariat, an institution dedicated to building the capacity of the health workforce and enhancing health education infrastructure.

 This initiative is crucial for creating a high-quality and sustainable healthcare system.

Additionally, Rwanda is constructing new healthcare facilities, including a new CHUK site in Masaka, Kicukiro District.

Construction began in January 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2025, which upon will boast 837 beds and the capacity to accommodate 2,000 patients per day, making it the largest hospital in Rwanda.