GISAGARA-A team of doctors from the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), over the weekend, treated 3580 dental and eye patients in Gisagara District, Southern Province.

According to Lt Col. Dr Guido Rugumire, the exercise was conducted in line with Liberation Day, celebrated annually on July 4.

The medics also conducted voluntary HIV/AIDS counselling and testing (VCT) and advised patients on various health matters, including hygiene and sanitation.

The team, composed of over 50 doctors and nurses, attended to patients gathered at eight sites including health centres and hospitals.

At all the sites, there was a huge turnout as many residents sought to benefit from the free services.

After the two-day free treatment exercise, 69 patients were referred for surgery at Kanombe Military Hospital.

"We will cater for everything they will need, from transport to accommodation. I am hopeful that within a two-week period, we will have treated them,” Lt Col. Rugumire told The New Times.

Residents commended the Rwanda Defence Forces for the free treatment, noting that the exercise helped them access services which would have cost them a lot of money.

"I am very happy. Without their assistance, I would never have been treated. I had failed to pay for these services, and now I got them for free. It is a day of pleasure for me; I am now feeling very good,” Vestine Mukabutera, a resident of Musha sector said after receiving a dental treatment.

"I thank the RDF for these free services. I am very happy not only because I received free treatment but also because of the kindness these medics showed me. I’m very thankful,” observed Marie Jeanne Mukanyonga, another resident.

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