As of early July 2024, the country had over 25,000 doctors, with the 4x4 reform expected to increase this number to 58,582 by 2028. The reform, which requires an investment of over $395 million, has made significant strides by the end of 2024.
A report from the Ministry of Health reveals that Rwanda received $62 million (over 86.3 billion Frw) in funding, which has been used for student scholarships, educational resources, equipment purchases, infrastructure development, and facility renovationsâ€"all aligned with the 4x4 initiative.
A key component of the program has been the expansion of medical schools. In 2024, the number of midwifery schools increased from four to eleven, while nursing schools grew by four, reaching a total of twelve.
Additionally, the African Health Sciences University (AHSU) has been fully accredited to operate in Rwanda, and it began accepting students for medical specializations in November 2024.
Similarly, the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) has been granted accreditation to offer undergraduate programs in general medicine and dentistry.
This year, the number of students entering the medical field has grown by 3.7 times, supported by the hiring of qualified instructors to maintain high educational standards.
The Ministry of Health also introduced advanced training programs for midwifery specialists, mirroring the training offered to doctors pursuing specializations in various medical fields.
The University of Rwanda has enhanced its capacity to increase the number of students pursuing Master's degrees in medicine, with a 40% increase this year.
Two new Master's programs focusing on ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging were launched.
The program has also expanded training for gynecologists, establishing new training programs in 10 district hospitals.
Specialist doctors capable of both treating and teaching were selected and placed in these hospitals to mentor others in gynecology.
Each hospital received two specialists, along with support teams of nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, and other professionals, providing services comparable to those offered at the four main teaching hospitals: Kanombe Military Hospital, King Faisal Hospital, Kigali University Teaching Hospital, and the University Teaching Hospital of Butare.
International partnerships have played a key role, facilitating the first cohort of 44 doctors sent to Ethiopia, where they will specialize in treating various critical conditions.
In addition, 13 specialized training programs were introduced at the University of Rwanda, including those in kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, and neonatal care.
Currently, 11 medical training programs are being offered across Rwanda, with 13 doctors expected to complete their studies in 2024.
Additionally, 26 doctors are undergoing specialization abroad in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, India, Israel, France, and Tanzania.
Rwanda has signed partnership agreements with institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean to further enhance its healthcare education.
Meanwhile, 45 other doctors have been approved for training in Rwanda. While significant progress has been made, the Ministry of Health recognizes that funding challenges remain.
In 2025, there are 8,350 opportunities for medical training, but only 1,418 scholarships (17%) have been awarded thus far.
IGIHE
