The Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS) has opened at Rwanda Military Academy-Gako, with its inaugural cohort beginning specialised training aimed at strengthening medical expertise and care within the military. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Defence minister opens inaugural National Defence College course The college combines advanced medical training with military knowledge, preparing health professionals to provide care in both peacetime and demanding operational environments. During the official opening on Friday, October 2, Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda said the institution would help bridge the gap between clinical practice and the specific demands of military service. “The Defence College of Health Sciences is designed to bridge the gap between military science and clinical excellence. It will serve as the premier centre of gravity for specialised military medical education, tailoring clinical competencies to both peacetime care and austere combat environments,” he said. The Minister of Defence, Hon Juvenal Marizamunda, today officiated the opening ceremony of the inaugural cohort of the Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS) at the Rwanda Military Academy–Gako, marking an important milestone in strengthening specialised military medical... pic.twitter.com/ymaUOJRZdc — Rwanda Ministry of Defence (@RwandaMoD) October 2, 2026 Marizamunda said the college will focus not only on clinical skills but also on research, innovation and leadership in military medicine. He said stronger specialised training would help medical personnel respond to the changing needs of the armed forces while improving the standard of care available to service members. “The establishment of this college is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that our service members receive the highest standard of medical education and care,” he said. ALSO READ: Gen Rwivanga: RDF strives to be a transformational army Addressing the first cohort, Marizamunda described the students as pioneers of the new institution and urged them to take seriously the demands that come with being the first group to train there. “You are the pioneers, the first to step into this noble institution. Your decision to serve your country through military health service is commendable, and I assure you that the path ahead will be both challenging and rewarding,” he said. ALSO READ: 30 years later, RDF continues to inspire a nation Yeshigeta Gelaw, the Principal of the college, said its programme would be built around academic excellence, professional competence, research and innovation. “We are not merely opening a new college. We are actually launching a new paradigm for Rwanda: excellence in education, service, research and innovation,” Gelaw said. He said the college aims to grow into a leading institution in the field on the continent. “We step into the future with a very big, bold and unapologetic ambition to establish this institution as one of the premier colleges of health sciences in Africa,” he said.
