Nyagatare District Hospital in the Eastern Province has announced an expansion of its surgical services, a move aimed at improving healthcare delivery and reducing patient transfers to Kigali. The expansion is part of the 4×4 Reform, a strategy launched by the government in 2023 aimed at quadrupling the number of healthcare workers in the country within the next four years to meet the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of at least 4 healthcare professionals per 1,000 population density. This expansion of services will extend the hospital’s capabilities beyond gynecology and obstetrics to include procedures such as hernia repairs, which will now be performed locally. Speaking to The New Times, Dr. Eddy Ndayambaje, Director General of Nyagatare District Hospital, highlighted the significance of this initiative. “We decided to expand after receiving specialists, particularly general surgeons, as we faced challenges transferring patients with abdominal conditions,” he said. The 4×4 programme, which focuses on strengthening healthcare systems, is expected to play a crucial role in addressing gaps in patient care and service quality. “This programme is vital for our hospital and the people of Nyagatare. It will help overcome some of the challenges we faced in customer care and overall healthcare delivery. Additionally, it aims to increase our healthcare workforce over the next four years,” Ndayambaje noted. The newly introduced services are expected to significantly reduce patient transfers, ensuring that individuals receive timely medical attention at their nearest hospital. This change is expected to lower medical costs, particularly for low-income patients who previously had to seek treatment in Kigali. Despite these advancements, Dr. Ndayambaje emphasised the need for additional resources, particularly in orthopedic services and trauma care. “There is a high demand for orthopedic services, and we urgently require an orthopedic surgeon. Additionally, the absence of a CT scan machine for trauma cases remains a major challenge when transferring patients,” he stated. He further called on the Ministry of Health and healthcare partners to help address the hospital’s staffing shortages. “We lack professional staff, including doctors and nurses. Addressing this gap is essential to ensuring that we can meet the growing healthcare needs of our community.” Dr. Ndayambaje described the expansion as a significant milestone, ensuring that Nyagatare residents receive essential surgical care without the burden of long-distance travel.
