Health centres upbeat over motorcycle donations

RUTSIRO – Eight health centres in Karongi and Rutsiro districts earlier this week each received four motorcycles donated by a Swiss-funded project, Public Health Programme (PSP).

Friday, January 20, 2012
Leaders of Health centres from Karongi and Rutsiro districts after receiving the motorcycles. The New Times / Sam Nkurunziza.

RUTSIRO – Eight health centres in Karongi and Rutsiro districts earlier this week each received four motorcycles donated by a Swiss-funded project, Public Health Programme (PSP).

Joselyn Niyodushima, the coordinator of PSP, said the move was part of a wider programme to improve healthcare in the two districts.

"We have previously supported health centres with medical equipment and other management tools, in addition to financial support and skills to help them implement action plans,” she pointed out.

She said the motorcycles were worth Rwf 18.5million.

Irène Uwitonda, the head of Murunda Health Centre in Karongi, welcomed the support saying it would greatly help improve their work.

"Transport has been an issue, especially in remote and hilly areas. There is no doubt the motorcycles will go a long way in helping us work better,” he said.

Uwitonda emphasised that the new mode of transport would offer timely interventions, thereby reducing on the number of preventable deaths.

"It makes it easier to respond to emergency situations in time,” he said.

There are 38 health centres in Karongi and Rutsiro districts, with each equipped with a least a motorcycle.

sam.nkurunziza@newtimes.co.rw