RDF medical peacekeepers leave for Central African Republic

Yesterday, 70 medical personnel of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) led by Col Dr John Byimana departed Kigali for medical peacekeeping mission under the UN Mission in Central African Republic (CAR). The personnel are to replace a medical contingent of Level Two Hospital that was deployed in January 2015 and returned to the country yesterday. Addressing the medical personnel from CAR, the Chief of Operations and Training at RDF, Brig Gen Chris Murari said apart from serving their mission, the medical peacekeepers exported Rwandan home grown solutions to assist the people of Central Africa Republic in the recovery process. He advised the medical personnel leaving the country to uphold Rwandan values, and patriotism while outside the country. Lt Col Dr Edmond Mukimbiri, fresh from the UN Mission told the media that though they were the first contingent to establish Level Two Hospital in CAR, the RDF medics noted that their mission of providing medical care to MINUSCA personnel was a success. “Our mission was to provide healthcare to MINUSCA personnel in Central Africa Republic, we experienced big challenges operating in region that has a number of armed groups. We treated more than 2600 patients, thirty percent were operated and others received mainly internal medicine care,” said Lt Col Dr Mukimbiri, adding that they provided health care to members of the public as well. Acting Defence and Military Spokesman, Lt Col René Ngendahimana said the Level Two Hospital First Contingent was under command of Lt Col King Kayondo while the second deployment that left yesterday was led by Col Dr Byimana. Before departing to CAR last year, Lt Col Doctor Kayondo explained that Level Two Hospital under the United Nations could be compared to the District Hospital with advanced equipment and medical specialists. Under the United Nations standards, Level Two Hospital should have the capacity of treating up to 40 ambulatory out patients per day, provide three intensive care beds, stabilise and evacuate a casualty for evacuation to the next level of medical care among others. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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RDF medical peacekeepers leave for Central African Republic