Under the theme, "Building resilient and sustainable surgical services in Africa," the conference emphasized the urgent need to expand surgical capacity and deliver life-saving care to underserved communities.
In his remarks, Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, disclosed the plan and highlighted the significant need for more surgeons in in the country.
"We have only 162 surgeons, yet we need a thousand. This seems like an impossible mission, but it is possible," he said. Through the government's "4x4" program, the number of surgical residents has grown from just three annual intakes to over 60 in 2024.
"We have expanded training sites to provincial hospitals and the plan is to decentralize them to district hospitals. By bringing training closer to the communities, we not only increase the number of surgeons but also ensure patients receive timely care without needing long-distance transfers," Nsanzimana explained.
He assured that expanding training would not compromise quality. "Training more does not mean reducing quality. We can have both the needed numbers and the required quality standards," he emphasized.
The minister encouraged young doctors to consider careers in surgery, highlighting the unique role of human expertise. "With advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, surgery remains one field that cannot be replaced by machines. AI will assist surgeons, but it cannot replace the human touch required for critical procedures," he said.
He expressed confidence in Rwanda's ability to meet its ambitious goals. "We have a plan, not just a dream. With the support of our partners and the dedication of our medical community, we will bring surgical care closer to those who need it most," he declared.
This initiative aligns with the 76th World Health Assembly's call in May 2023 to strengthen emergency, critical, and operative care services as part of Sustainable Development Goal 3 which stipulates ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente, representing President Paul Kagame, reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to universal surgical care.
"Surgery is not a luxury; it is a fundamental pillar of healthcare. Rwanda recognizes the critical role of surgical care in achieving universal health coverage,' he said.
He detailed the government's roadmap to expand surgical capacity by investing in training and infrastructure.
"We are activating and expanding teaching hospitals across our communities. Our goal is to train the next generation of surgeons in areas that are geographically accessible," he stated.
Rwanda is also collaborating with global partners to enhance surgical education. The government has partnered with Operation Smile and UNHCR Africa to equip specialists with advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries.
"These partnerships reflect our commitment to sustainable change, not only in Rwanda but across the continent," the Prime Minister said.
Operation Smile, a key partner, is playing a vital role in decentralizing surgical care. Co-founder and CEO Kathy Magee stressed the importance of local capacity-building.
"To ensure that every child has access to care close to home, we harness the talent and resources within the country," she said.
The organization employs a "hub-and-spoke" model to facilitate care delivery. The central hub, based in Kigali at CHUK and the Rwanda Military Hospital, supports six district hospitals in Ruhengeri, Gisenyi, Kibuye, Bushenge, Kibungo, and Rwinkwavu.
This model enables patients in remote areas to access quality surgical services without traveling to major urban centers.
"We have gained the trust of Rwanda's leading plastic surgeons, Professor Faustin Ntirenganya and Dr. Charles Furaha. Their leadership is instrumental in shaping our five-year plan and strengthening surgical education,' Magee noted.
As the Pan-African Surgical Conference continues, Rwanda's vision stands out as a model for the continent.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to training, Rwanda is paving the way for a future where every district hospital has a surgeon and every patient has access to life-saving surgical care.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/health/article/rwanda-to-train-surgeons-for-every-district-hospital-moh
