On October 11, in Kigali, the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), IRCAD Africa, and the King Faisal Hospital Rwanda Foundation, alongside various higher education institutions offering health sciences programs.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including State Minister of Health Dr. Yvan Butera and RSSB Chief Executive Officer Regis Rugemanshuro.
The ICK delegation comprised Vice Chancellor Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, a health student. Kibogora Polytechnique, Catholic University of Rwanda, Ruli Higher Institute of Health, and Adventist University of Central Africa, University of Gitwe were represented respectively as they have received scholarships for their students in health programs.
The RSSB’s commitment to fostering the healthcare sector in Rwanda is underscored by its provision of scholarships, which will support the MoU’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals under the 4×4 Reform. This reform aims to quadruple the number of healthcare professionals in Rwanda by 2028.
In the MoU signed, RSSB commits to providing 150 million Rwandan francs to the French institution IRCAD Africa. The aim is to assist this organization in training Rwandan specialist doctors in various fields.
Additionally, this institution has allocated 3.7 billion Rwandan francs as part of the collaboration agreement between RSSB, the Ministry of Health, and the King Faisal Foundation, which will support the training of doctors.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Health Dr. Yvan Butera emphasized the partnership’s dual focus: “Ensuring access to quality healthcare through sufficient training for healthcare workers and embracing technological innovation to have the quality of healthcare that Rwandans deserve.”
Dr. Butera revealed that the signed MoU aimed at increasing the number of students in nursing and midwifery Specifically, the goal is to raise the annual enrollment in midwifery from 100 to 600 students, although the Ministry of Health is optimistic about reaching an annual target of 1,400 students.
He further assured that the government remains deeply invested in the health of its citizens, stating, “We will continue to do so through innovative and accelerated methods with partners like RSSB, IRCAD Africa, and KFHRF.” He concluded by highlighting that “the goal of these partnerships is centered on the growth and development of our country as a whole.”
CEO Regis Rugemanshuro of RSSB expressed his gratitude for the visionary leadership of Rwanda’s government, acknowledging that their foresight and commitment have “brought us to this moment.”
He stressed the importance of investing in initiatives that directly enhance the lives of the Rwandan community, noting, “By funding the training of doctors, nurses, surgeons, midwives, and other healthcare professionals, we ensure that every Rwandan benefits from better healthcare.”
Scholarship Recipients Express Gratitude
Representing health program students from various institutions engaged in the 4×4 initiative, ICK year one student Bulyaba Mercy conveyed her appreciation to the Ministry of Health and its partners.
She stated, “I would like to thank the Ministry of Health for the launch of the 4×4 reform that aims to increase the number of healthcare professionals like me, but also improve the quality of health education in the country.”
Bulyaba emphasized that these scholarships serve as critical stepping stones toward achieving this goal.
“With this support, I am not only able to focus on my studies but also to prepare myself for the vital role I will play in Rwanda’s healthcare system. We are fortunate to be part of a generation of healthcare workers who are being empowered to make a real difference,” she added.
She reminded her fellow scholarship recipients that the opportunity granted is both a privilege and a responsibility: “We are the future of healthcare in Rwanda. Let us embrace this journey with dedication, integrity, and a passion for serving others. Together, we can be the force that drives the change that transforms the lives of our fellow Rwandans.”
The signed MoU will facilitate an increase in healthcare professionals across the country, with IRCAD having trained over 350 medical professionals since its inception. King Faisal Hospital Rwanda Foundation is hosting undergraduates in health programs, and the Ministry of Health has been playing a crucial role in provision of scholarships for health program students since last year, in addition to those offered by RSSB. Collectively, these initiatives under the 4×4 Reform aim to significantly enhance Rwanda’s healthcare workforce over the next four years.
With RSSB’s support, ICK received 110 students this year, comprising 30 for nursing and 80 for midwifery.
The Ministry of Health’s plan is to enroll at least 8,378 students annually into medical programs at universities starting in 2024. Over four years, this will result in a total of 49,802 students, with an estimated 32,973 expected to graduate by 2028.
Among these students, there will be 897 specializing in certain diseases, 1,686 in general medicine, 185 in dentistry, 832 in pharmacy, 15,770 nurses, 5,209 midwives, and 8,394 in allied health sciences.
Currently, 13 universities and higher learning institutions are involved in training these students, supported by five national hospitals and eight secondary-level hospitals located throughout the country.
Over the four years of this program, a budget exceeding $395 million will be utilized, which means that each student will receive approximately $7,937 by the time they complete their studies.
Photos: RSSB
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