A High level of hygiene and cleanliness should be maintained in medical facilities to save patients from contracting more infections when they come for treatment.

The call was made last Thursday by Dr. Anita Asiimwe, the Minister of State in charge of Public Health and Primary Health Care, during an inspection tour of Murunda Hospital, in Rutsiro District.

 "It is unacceptable for a medical practitioner to work from a place that is hygienically wanting,” she told the hospital staff.

Dr Asiimwe urged them to respect work ethics saying: "Indiscipline should never be tolerated in this profession. This is a sacred job that requires undivided attention because people’s lives depend on us.” 

Asiimwe also challenged the medics to adopt an open communication system while serving the patients.

She said her visit aimed at ascertaining health standards and examining existing challenges at the hospital to ensure that solutions are sought.

Paul Jabo, the Executive Secretary of the Western Province, called upon hospital staff to encourage more citizens to sign up for the community-based health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Sante).

Jean Damascene Muringa, a resident of Murunda Sector, welcomed the inspection tour by the minister, saying it was crucial in maintaining quality at the facility.

"Routine visits from such high profile public figures always help keep the pressure on medical staff to offer quality services,” he said.

He decried the poor state of the road that leads to the hospital, calling upon the government to come to their rescue. 

Jabo pledged to work closely with the district (Rutsibo) mayor to lobby for funds to finance the construction of the road.