The programs are also expected to address the shortage of health workers.

The official launch of these programs took place in the evening of Wednesday 4th May 2022 at Kigali Convention Centre. It was attended by different dignitaries including First Lady Jeannette Kagame.

The newly launched programs include fellowships in the courses of Adult and pediatric cardiology, Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Gynecology oncology.

Others include Nephrology, endocrinology and maternal-fetal medicine.

Others are Pediatric Surgery and Dermatology Residency and Clinical Anatomy at Master’s and PhD level as Patrick Ndimubanzi, the Executive Secretary of Rwanda Human Resources for Health (HRH) explained.

The University of Rwanda has designed related curriculum based on Rwanda’s development blueprints including the National Strategy for Transformation 1 (NST1) and Vision 2050 to build knowledge based economy, producing competent workforce and striving for improved citizens’ wellbeing among others.

The main objective of the program is to produce specialist doctors with a view to bridge the gap of workers, provide new services contributing to health tourism and make the country a hub for health services in the region.

Once implemented, the program will help to solve persistent problems particularly in the provision of healthcare for non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Prof. Jean Claude Byiringiro, Dean of the School of Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Rwanda has said that most of Fellowships will last for two years except adult and pediatric cardiology that will last for three years.

The school is currently able to assist two applicants who might be increased depending on available means.

Those studying Dermatology), Plastic Surgery and Neurorology will spend five years in class and two years for full-time students in Clinical Anatomy or three years for Master’s degree and three years for PhD.

Prof. Byiringiro has said that some equipment needed under this program are available at the University’s’ teaching hospital insisting that it requires huge investment at the beginning.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya has said that these programs will improve the quality and quantity of health services noting that the ministry is standby to contribute to its implementation.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije has underscored that the Government of Rwanda is committed to provide the necessary and work closely with major health partners for the program to be a success.

Among them, he cited the university hospitals and schools of medicines operating in Rwanda.

This is believed to help students choose courses of specialization in second year.

Mutuelle de Santé at King Faisal Hospital

King Faisal Hospital was recently designated as a teaching hospital for approved programs at the University of Rwanda.

Dr. Ngamije has commended the collaboration with university teaching hospitals, Rwanda Military Hospital and King Faisal Hospital that will see patients from teaching hospitals transferred there to be treated in short time.

He explained that the partnership is meant to avoid delays of appointments for patients seeking medical attention at university teaching hospitals.

Dr. Ngamije disclosed that the ministry has worked with Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) to revamp programs related to the transfer of patients to hospitals and allow subscribers of the community based health insurance known as ‘Mutuelle de Santé’ to be admitted at King Faisal hospital where needs be.

Prof Senait Fisseha, Director Global Programs at Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, and Co-Chair of the African Advisory Board of the University of Global Health Equity has observed that this program will help the country to increase specialist doctors.

Patrick Ndimubanzi, the Executive Secretary of Rwanda Human Resources for Health.

Prof. Jean Claude Byiringiro, Dean of the School of Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Rwanda.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije has underscored that the Government of Rwanda will work closely with major health partners for the program to be a success.

Prof Senait Fisseha, Director Global Programs at Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation delivering remarks.

The event took place at Kigali Convention Centre.