Masaka hospital in Kicukiro District has received new medical equipment worth Rwf30 million, expected to strengthen surgical services and improve patient care. ALSO READ: Chinese medics treat over 12,000 Rwandan patients The equipment, donated by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda and the Chinese medical team, was handed over on Friday, April 10. It includes a hydraulic integrated operating table, a stainless steel fan-shaped instrument table, a manual wheelchair, and an auxiliary surgical operating lamp. Oreste Tuganeyezu, the Head of Department of Clinical and Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said the equipment will enhance surgical care at the hospital. “The equipment will mainly be used in providing surgical services, where it will help improve the functioning of operating theatres and expand access to surgical care,” he said. “The donated equipment strengthens the capacity of operating rooms... This means that operating rooms, which were already in use, have now been upgraded to provide services 24/7.” ALSO READ: [PHOTOS]: Chinese medical team rotates in Rwanda He noted the donation by the Chinese builds on decades of cooperation in the health sector, particularly through Chinese medical teams deployed to support both treatment and skills transfer. The current cohort comprises 18 doctors working in Masaka and Kibungo hospitals. The partnership has previously contributed to the construction of Masaka Hospital and the renovation of Kibungo Hospital in Ngoma District, alongside the provision of equipment, training programmes, and other health interventions. ALSO READ: Inside Masaka’s evolution into Kigali’s emerging medical hub Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi, said the donation reflects continued cooperation between the two countries. “This donation continues China's longstanding tradition of standing alongside Rwanda, and we believe it will make a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of Rwandans,” he said. “These urgently needed materials will help save lives, improve treatment conditions, and bring comfort to patients,” he added. Gao noted that the collaboration has expanded over the years, with facilities supported under the partnership serving more than 500,000 residents. “The medical collaboration between China and Rwanda is extensive, profound, and fruitful,” he said. Since 1982, up tp 26 medical teams comprising 343 members have been deployed to Rwanda, treating over 720,000 patients, performing more than 40,000 surgeries. The ambassador added that over the past two months, the current team has conducted more than 200 operations and treated over 5,000 patients, while also carrying out outreach and training activities and introducing new treatment techniques. “They have introduced new technique including the childbirth technique combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern obstetric care in Masaka Hospital and first thyroid and breast surgeries in Kibungo Hospital. Their high level of professionalism has earned deep recognition from the staff of both hospitals,” he said. He added that ongoing expansion works at Masaka Hospital are expected to elevate the facility into a major teaching and referral facility. Once complete, the expanded hospital will be the premises of Univerity Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), which plans to relocate from Nyarugenge District. “In 2022, China initiated the renovation and expansion of Masaka Hospital, which is set to become Rwanda's largest modern comprehensive teaching hospital with multi-functional facilities, serving as a central medical institution for both Rwanda and neighboring countries,” he said. “We will continue to support the China Medical Team in promoting Rwanda’s healthcare development and elevating bilateral cooperation to a higher level with enhanced quality... China is willing to join hands with Rwanda to jointly open a new chapter in medical cooperation.” ALSO READ: Construction of new CHUK hospital premises at 80% Zhang Shenmao, representing the 26th Chinese medical team, said the donation is intended to support the hospital’s work. “This medical equipment is a gift from us. We hope it can help the hospital work better. We hope it can help more patients. We hope more people can keep healthy,” he said. “We will keep working hard. We will keep helping this hospital. We will keep the friendship between China and Rwanda strong,” he added. Masaka Hospital Director General Jean-Damascène Hanyurwimfura said the cooperation has strengthened service delivery at the facility. “The medical experts are not only improving patient's conditions here but also sharing valuable knowledge to support our staff and strengthen our system. Thanks to this cooperation, we have been able to expand our services.”
