Tears of joy started to flow down the cheeks of Josiane Abayisenga as she praised local bank BPR Plc for having paid a bill worth Rwf1.4 million for her child who is hospitalized in Kibagabaga Hospital.

The mother is one of over 30 parents, whose children are in the hospital and the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) who the bank paid their bills.

The management of BPR Plc explained that the support was a sign of taking into account babies being hospitalized so that they be part of the world to celebrate Christmas and the festive season.

Abayisenga’s child, she explained, is suffering from a heart anomaly that is awaiting surgery.

Every Friday, nurses explained, the mother goes for consultation at Rwanda Military Hospital for guidance and advice. That means that the baby has to stay on life support until the operation.

 "I have been in this hospital for a long time looking after my kid who is in critical condition and the bill was too much for me to afford. Thank God for this miracle. I thank the Bank that surprised me. I hope my child will survive. May God continue to bless the good Samaritans since Rwf1.4 million bill was not within reach for a poor person like me,” Abayisenga said.

Despite having paid for her the bill, the mother is still staying in the hospital until her baby recovers.

BPR officials interact with patients during the visit at CHUK on Tuesday. 

The Kibagabaga hospital management explained that most of the beneficiaries had not subscribed to Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme- Mutuelle santé and that putting children on life support was raising the treatment cost.

Gisele Umuhuzawabo is the mother of a six-year-old girl who has been hospitalized for 18 months in CHUK after being burnt in a fire. She said that the medical doctors had to graft her skin.

The mother from Gicumbi district said that she had been paying huge bills to the extent of selling some of the family properties.

BPR Plc paid the bill of Rwf328,000 the day before Christmas.

"We are happy for people like this keeping in mind that we also need to enjoy Christmas. We greatly commend this loving action,” she said.

At the same hospital, BPR Plc paid another bill worth of Rwf207,000 for Jean Pierre Niyitanga.

"I have been here for three months. And I am still here. The Mutuelle de Sante could not cover such a bill. Previously, I paid Rwf400,000,” he said.

According to the management of CHUK hospital, most of the patients come from rural areas and the needs include both getting food and medication which is too high for them.

The patients are supposed to buy food since there is no kitchen at the hospital, nurses explained.

Maurice Toroitich, the Managing Director of BPR Plc explained that they selected patients who had been in hospital for long and at the same time couldn’t afford medical bills and food.

"As the world celebrates Christmas day, we took into account babies in the hospital. We came to greet and help you to afford some of the needs as you have been struggling with medical bills. We are aware that you are sick. Therefore, to console you, we wanted to join you and enjoy together. With our prayers God will heal you,” he said.

Gifts that included milk, sugar, baby diapers and money were also provided to cater for those who are still being hospitalised.