The government has announced that its community-based health insurance scheme, Mutuelle de Santé, will now cover cancer treatment.

The move, revealed on January 17 after a cabinet meeting, aims to make cancer treatment more affordable and accessible, easing the financial burden on families.

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Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health, confirmed that cancer treatment would soon be included under Mutuelle de Santé coverage. Starting July, the insurance scheme will also cover kidney transplants, prosthesis, and 11 other crucial health services.

Mutuelle de Santé has been covering 90% of medical expenses, but chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer are excluded, leaving patients to bear the full cost. With treatment running into millions of Rwandan francs, many families face financial strain. While some cancer surgeries are covered, the high out-of-pocket expenses for these essential treatments remain a main barrier to treatment.

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Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba, the Director of the Cancer Programme at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), noted the need for comprehensive cancer care under the insurance plan.

"The cost of cancer treatment remains high, and many patients cannot afford critical therapies like chemotherapy. We are advocating for the removal of co-payments for these services to ensure no one is excluded due to financial constraints,” Dr. Maniragaba said.

He added that in addition to expanding coverage, Rwanda is strengthening its healthcare infrastructure to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. RBC is working on a five-year strategic plan focused on the most common cancers, including cervical, breast, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancers.

"This plan will prioritize early detection through expanded screening programs and better treatment options, such as radiotherapy and brachytherapy, which are being integrated into health facilities across the country.

"Rwanda has already made progress in cancer prevention, particularly in cervical cancer. Free screening programs are now available in over 24 districts, contributing to the government’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2027, three years ahead of the global target,” he said.

Dr. Maniragaba encouraged Rwandans to take advantage of these free screenings, noting that early detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes.

With the government’s strong political will and ongoing technical preparations, the future of cancer care in Rwanda looks promising, Dr. Maniragaba noted.