Dr. Nsanzimana shared this update on Thursday, January 16, 2025, during a presentation to the Senate about the progress of implementing the National Health Policy and efforts to improve primary healthcare services.
Plans to relocate CHUK were first unveiled in 2013, aiming to move the hospital out of Kigali’s city center.
The decision was influenced by increasing congestion in the area due to rapid commercial developments.
According to the minister, the renovation and expansion of the new facilities to house CHUK in Masaka is in its advanced stages with expectations for the relocation process to begin within the set timeframe.
“There are only a few months left. We expect to finalize everything by June or August, for the hospital’s relocation to begin,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated.
He also confirmed that the current CHUK site would continue to offer some healthcare services.
“The current CHUK site will still be used for necessary health services, particularly those that can complement nearby hospitals like Muhima and Nyarugenge. These services are being carefully planned, as demand for them continues to grow. Teams are working to ensure that once the construction and relocation are complete, everything will follow smoothly,” he explained.
“This is not a rushed process because relocating a hospital and its services requires thorough preparation. Residents need to be informed, equipment must be installed, and resources organized to ensure that services are not interrupted,” he added.
The new CHUK facility will be located in the former Masaka Hospital premises, which have undergone significant upgrades.
As of November 2024, 80% of the renovation work is complete. The project, implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Health, is being financed by the Chinese Government.
The project is estimated to cost Frw 85 billion and will accommodate 827 patients, nearly doubling its current capacity of 400.
The design includes three multi-story buildings, some rising five stories high, to provide expanded patient care.
Additionally, the hospital will feature facilities for research, teaching, and specialized services, contributing to the growth of healthcare in the region.
The Masaka area, designated for healthcare services, is expected to become a hub for medical tourism, further enhancing Rwanda’s healthcare landscape.
“The new site is already home to other healthcare facilities, with more under consideration. For example, the Research Institute against Digestive Cancer [IRCAD] has been operational there for some time, and new laboratories are also set to be built in the area,” he noted.

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