A hemodialysis unit was inaugurated at Rwanda Military Hospital – Kanombe on Saturday under the auspices of Egypt-Rwanda friendship.

The new renal unit is equipped with 10 dialysis machines and is the first at the hospital.

Hemodialysis, commonly known as dialysis is a process of purifying the blood of a person whose kidneys are not working normally.

The development is a big boost to the health sector and will go a long way in managing some of the kidney related ailments that have been forcing patients to seek treatment out of the country. This development is also an indication of the government’s commitment to forge partnerships aimed at transforming the lives of all Rwandans. Indeed, it is a partnership that should be replicated across the board including the private sector.

The private sector should also pick a leaf and partner with government in the health sector to provide the needed health services across the country. Forging public-private partnerships in health will boost the Government efforts in achieving SDGs and will transform the sector to the desired level.

At the launch of the dialysis unit, it was also revealed that Kanombe Hospital will get a new state-of-the-art telemedicine unit, the first in Rwanda. This will not just be a teleconference service but will also help in surgical operations.

Telemedicine is the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunication technology.

Thanks to the universal health care model, all citizens are able to benefit from these innovations, and with such facilities in place; Rwanda’s goal to become a health tourism destination will bear fruit in a short term.

However, concerned stakeholders and the ministry of health in particular, should sensitise every Rwandan of the availability of such health services to ensure that everyone in need of such services is aware.