The University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) is set to introduce a cancer screening and treatment centre aimed at reducing the number of hospitalised cancer patients and providing care to those who previously struggled to access treatment due to financial constraints. According to Dr Christian Ngarambe, the Acting Director General of CHUB, the centre will be operational by July 1. ALSO READ: How five added hospitals will impact cancer care in Rwanda “If cancer is screened early, it ensures that patients receive timely treatment and can be discharged sooner,” Jean Nepomuscene Ntawurushimana, the Director of Public Relations and Customer Care at CHUB, told The New Times, explaining that early detection would significantly increase the number of recoveries. “We transfer some patients for advanced treatment but others cannot afford to travel to referral hospitals due to financial constraints. Now, they will receive care here,” he added, noting that CHUB has been transferring an average of 12 cancer patients per month to other health facilities. ALSO READ: Rwanda moves to make cancer treatment more affordable for population “We want this new centre to help us screen and treat patients before they reach the stage where hospitalisation is required, even though our hospital has the capacity to accommodate 500 patients daily,” he added. “We were already conducting screenings, but we aim to improve our capacity to reach more patients,” Ntawurushimana explained. To strengthen cancer treatment, 12 healthcare workers began training at Butaro Hospital on March 3. The group comprises five oncology nurses, two pharmacists, and five laboratory technicians. ALSO READ: Top 10 most common cancers in Rwanda “The training will conclude in April, followed by the installation of essential medical equipment. The Ministry of Health will then assign us an experienced doctor as we launch these services. Butaro Hospital, with its extensive experience, will provide mentorship,” he added. The services will be offered in existing hospital buildings, some of which are being expanded, including the laboratory and consultation rooms. Rwanda's target to extend oral chemotherapy services to five additional hospitals will enhance cancer care across the country. There are five new hospitals - Rwinkwavu, CHUB, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), Karongi, and Ruhengeri hospitals - expected to offer oral chemotherapy services. The medical facilities will complement existing healthcare providers such as Rwanda Cancer Centre in Butaro, Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH), and King Faisal Hospital, in Kigali.
