Kabgayi Hospital, despite its outdated infrastructure, serves a substantial number of patients from all corners of the country. A loan agreement of US$42,051,000 between the Rwandan government and the Korean Exim Bank for the hospital’s renovation and expansion was approved by the lower chamber of parliament’s general assembly on November 13, 2023.

The signed loan agreement on September 13, 2023, outlines a repayment period of 25 years at a minimal 0.01% interest rate, including a 15-year grace period. Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, emphasized that the primary objective of this substantial investment is to enhance the hospital’s facilities, upgrade its service capabilities, and bolster its capacity for training future medical professionals.

The comprehensive project encompasses the renovation of existing structures, the addition of 206 new beds to the current 355, and the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment. Dr. Muvunyi Jean Baptiste, the Director General of Kabgayi, shared with IGIHE that the strategic plan includes replacing old structures with modern ones, set to commence next year.

Dr. Muvunyi highlighted that these new facilities are anticipated not only to enhance the quality of healthcare services but also to contribute to the aesthetic appeal of Muhanga town. Furthermore, the upgraded facilities will facilitate the introduction of advanced medical services such as Minimal Invasive Surgery, endoscopy, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

The current structures at Kabgayi Hospital, dating back to 1937, will be replaced as part of this transformative initiative, marking a significant step towards modernizing healthcare infrastructure in Rwanda.