NORTHERN PROVINCE

MUSANZE — Beneficiaries of free medical services by the army surgeons in Musanze District have hailed the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) for the humanitarian work.

As part of the activities to mark what was dubbed as the Army Week, two doctors; Capt. Dr Edmund Mukimbire, and Dr J Paul Gashayija, have so far carried out 24 successful operations at Ruhengeri Hospital, while 25 others were waiting for treatment.

Aloys Rwikangura, who was fractured when a wolfram quarry caved in, in Ngoreroro District, said he has regained strength and life after a successful operation.

"It is an amazing service I have received from the army; they have saved me from prolonged suffering. I’m proud about  the work done by the Rwanda Defence Forces,’’ Rwikangura told The New Times from his sickbed.

The army medics cited lack of adequate equipment in the surgical ward, as an out standing challenge to their work.

"But we are utilising the available time, and equipment to carry out surgical operations,” Capt. Dr Edmund Mukimbire said.

Col. Gashayija Bagirigomwa, the 305 deputy Brigade Commander, explained that everything is going on according to plan.

"RDF 305 Brigade has conducted voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), the construction of houses for the needy residents is going on, while 500 mosquito nets will be distributed in Burera and Musanze districts,” he said.

The soldiers say the humanitarian activities are part of the liberation struggle in which soldiers join residents to fight poverty and bring economic development.

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