Senators have cast doubt on a government proposal to allow Rwanda Medical Supply (RMS) to import veterinary medicines, in addition to its role in supplying human medicines. Concerns about the move were raised on Wednesday, April 1, as the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Telesphore Ndabamenye appeared before the Senate to explain measures being implemented to address issues livestock development. ALSO READ: Senate summons PM over issues in livestock sector Issues highlighted in a report on senators’ field visits include the absence of regulations governing the pricing of veterinary medicines, creating a gap that may expose farmers to high costs. Ndabamenye explained that the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources was engaging the Ministry of Health to explore a system under which veterinary medicines could be imported through Rwanda Medical Supply and distributed to veterinary clinics and pharmacies operated by private companies under the Veterinary Sanitary Mandate. ALSO READ: Government harmonises fees for veterinary services Ndabamenye said the consultations with relevant institutions are expected to be completed in months to pave the way for the state-owned company to take on the new responsibilities. “There could be a period of about six months to conclude discussions with the relevant institutions to ensure that imports can be handled by the designated institution,” he said. He added that RMS would also be supported with specialists in livestock medicines. ALSO READ: How ready are private veterinarians after taking over key govt services? Senators reactions Senators raised concerns over the proposal to expand Rwanda Medical Supply’s mandate to the importation and distribution of veterinary medicines, warning of possible delays and capacity constraints. Senator Pélagie Uwera said discussions involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (RFDA) on the role of RMS should be carefully considered, given its current challenges in handling human medicines. “Even in the human medicine area alone, the company has not been functioning efficiently, with delays in importing medicines,” she said. Uwera cautioned that expanding its mandate could introduce technical challenges. “Their system was developed for human medicines, and there could be technical disruptions and delays. Better coordination is needed,” she added. Senator Evode Uwizeyimana also questioned whether clear timelines have been set for the reform, warning against repeated delays in implementation. “We would like to know the timeline to ensure these are not just promises announced and then revisited years later without delivery,” he said. He pointed to concerns raised during senators' visits, noting that some health facilities reported delays in the supply of medicines. “Health posts have reported poor services from Rwanda Medical Supply, including delays even in the supply of human medicines. These concerns were already raised with the Minister of Health when he appeared before the Senate,” he said. Uwizeyimana stressed the need for capacity building if RMS is to take on veterinary medicines. “The institution will need capacity building to ensure it has expertise in veterinary medicines, not only human health. What role will the government play in the importation of livestock medicines?” he asked. Senator Laetitia Nyinawamwiza highlighted access challenges, particularly in rural areas, noting that supply chains remain heavily dependent on Kigali and imports. “People in rural areas struggle to access veterinary medicines. Those who supply them often source from Kigali and depend on imports, which are not always readily available,” she said. “Farmers sometimes obtain these medicines at high and unregulated prices.” Efforts to improve livestock disease prevention The Minister of Agriculture noted that farmers are already supported to access vaccines for epidemic livestock diseases free of charge, as well as subsidies for parasite-related diseases such as tick-borne infections. A range of veterinary services, including farmer advisory services, artificial insemination, disease prevention and treatment, and testing of animal products, have already been delegated to private veterinarians. “Up to now, these services are being carried out by 1,815 professionals organised in about 91 companies,” Ndabamenye said. He also said the government is working with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) to explore how livestock insurance currently available for farmers in Kayonza can be expanded to other parts of the country. The minister said the government was working towards introducing local production of vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease, alongside awareness campaigns on the National Pharmaceutical Pricing and Cost Containment Policy of October 2020 targeting veterinarians, importers, pharmacy owners and farmers. He added that a national list of essential veterinary medicines is being developed to guide supply and distribution, along with the establishment of a veterinary advisory committee. Ndabamenye noted that the government plans to assess the pricing structure of veterinary medicines across the entire supply chain, from importers to wholesalers and retailers. “In the long term, we will examine the pricing of veterinary medicines at all levels, including importers, wholesalers and pharmacies,” he said. Ndabamenye said the government’s priority remains disease prevention through vaccination rather than relying on treatment alone. “On the government’s role in disease control, the best approach is vaccination to reduce the risks that require treatment,” he said. He added that mechanisms are being strengthened to address cases where certain drugs are becoming less effective. “For diseases such as tick-borne conditions where some drugs are no longer effective, the veterinary sanitary mandate helps track medicines that are no longer productive,” he said.
