00:00:00 IGIHE NETWORK KINYARWANDA ENGLISH FRANCAIS

70% of Rwanda’s healthcare workers seek transfers to facilities closer to home

By Esther Muhozi
On 11 January 2024 at 08:39

Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin, the Minister of Health, shared with Parliament that approximately 70% of health workers have expressed a desire to relocate closer to their residences. Addressing members of the parliamentary committee on political affairs and gender equality on January 10, 2024; the minister explained that the shortage of staff is the driving force behind these transfer requests not being promptly fulfilled.

During his conversation with parliamentarians, Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted the high volume of migration requests, attributing it to the nature of the healthcare profession, where individuals often find themselves working far from their homes based on clinic locations. He emphasized that a significant portion, around 70%, wish to move, seeking transfers to more convenient locations.

While acknowledging the challenges, he assured that efforts would be made to address the situation and return transfer requests as the workforce in the sector expands.

The minister explained, "We have a considerable number of applicants for relocation. Given the nature of our profession, individuals frequently work at a considerable distance from their residences, depending on health facilities’ locations.

Approximately 70% of our workforce wishes to relocate, requesting transfers from their current positions. Although we cannot fulfill all the requests simultaneously, we endeavor to accommodate them whenever possible to promote the well-being of the workers and their families."

Dr. Nsanzimana reassured Parliament that as the workforce in the health sector grows, efforts will be made to meet the demand for transfers, benefiting the overall organization.

He added, "We will persist in our endeavors. Moreover, we are establishing training schools across the country, including in Rusizi and Nyagatare, allowing individuals to study near their homes and subsequently work in proximity to their residences."

A healthcare practitioner attending to a patient at Gatonde Hospital.

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