Launched to address the country's shortage of medical personnelâ€"previously one doctor for every 1,000 people, compared to the national target of four per 1,000â€"the program aims to add 32,973 healthcare workers by 2028.
Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana recently told Parliament's Committee on State Budget and Patrimony that the program is making substantial progress, with visible and measurable outcomes.
He noted that the number of medical students has increased 3.7 times, largely due to expanded training programs.
'We've focused on previously under-resourced specialties like anesthesia, intensive care, and surgeryâ€"areas that had significantly lagged behind,' said Dr. Nsanzimana.
The University of Rwanda has increased its intake capacity for medical students by 40%.
Investments have included hiring more lecturers, acquiring modern equipment, and expanding advanced teaching capabilities to offer specialized medical education.
Dr. Nsanzimana also revealed the launch of 13 new specialty programs to train healthcare professionals in fields that previously required overseas study.
'These include areas such as nephrology and orthopedic surgery, which until required sending students abroad. Today, these specialties are being developed locally through the University of Rwanda,' he said.
So far, the initiative has mobilized and spent approximately $64 million (over Frw 88 billion), funded by various development partners.
'These resources have been critical in building the infrastructure and capacity needed to reach our health sector goals,' Dr. Nsanzimana added.
To further support medical education, the African Health Sciences University (AHSU) was accredited and began admitting students in November 2024.
The institution focuses on training specialists across a wide range of healthcare fields.
The entire 4x4 Reform program is projected to cost over $395.2 million (approximately Frw 508.1 billion) by its completion in 2028.
IGIHE
