The Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, has said that more than 3,000 cataract surgeries were successfully completed through the Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme in 2024. This initiative has not only improved access to essential eye care but has also significantly reduced financial burdens on patients and eased overcrowding in healthcare facilities offering these services. Minister Nsanzimana made these remarks during the launch of the 2025 citizen outreach programme in Nyagatare District, where hundreds of residents had gathered at Gatunda Hospital for medical checkups and treatment. ALSO READ: Security organs’ citizen outreach targets infrastructure education health “The outreach programme has helped the Ministry of Health to achieve more than 3,000 cataract surgeries for people who could not be reached the existing programmes. This has reduced both costs for patients and overcrowding in health facilities offering these services. Medical outreach is a key pillar of our healthcare system because, in the end, it is about ensuring the well-being of our citizens,” he stated. Cataract surgeries involve the removal of a cloudy lens from the eye and its replacement with an artificial intraocular lens, restoring clear vision. Among those benefiting from the 2025 outreach program is Eugenie Mukamabano, a resident of Nyarurema in Nyagatare District, who had come for dental care. I am benefiting from the Rwanda Defense Forces' medical outreach programme for the second time. Last year, I underwent surgery due to stomach complications, and the procedure was successful. Today, I am here for dental treatment, and I am deeply thankful to the invaluable services provided by our security organs, which extend beyond safeguarding our nation, she said. ALSO READ: New RDF US Army medical outreach programme to benefit citizens in Ewamagana District Ludovic Louis, a resident of Gatunda Sector, who had been struggling with an eye condition, came to get treatment through the outreach programme. Receiving medication from our security forces has been a huge relief for me. Doctors from security forces focus on details and provide personalized care to each patient, which is something we greatly appreciate. They have saved many lives with this outreach programme, he said. In addition to cataract surgeries, the Citizen Outreach Program offers a broad range of medical services, including orthopedics, general surgery, urology, ENT, dental care, ophthalmology, dermatology, gynecology and obstetrics, internal medicine, pediatrics, and family planning. The event was presided over by Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana, Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa, and Maj. Gen. Dr. Ephrem Rurangwa, RDF Medical Health Service Chief of Staff. Beyond providing healthcare services, the RDF Citizen Outreach Program also includes activities such as building homes for vulnerable individuals and implementing soil erosion control measures, and building infrastructure, among other things.
