He made the remarks on July 15, 2025, during a visit to Legacy Clinics & Diagnostics in Kigali, one of the private medical facilities working closely with the Government of Rwanda to promote high-quality healthcare.
Legacy Clinics has been highlighted as a model for successful collaboration between the Czech Republic, the Rwandan government, and private sector players.
This partnership includes the provision of medical equipment from Czech companies, the training of medical personnel, and other technical assistance.
Minister Kozák commended the clinic's focus on maternal and child health, which aligns with the Czech Republic's development priorities, noting that such alignment strengthens cooperation and yields tangible results.
'I believe the opportunity goes beyond just improving Rwanda's healthcare system,' he said. 'There's a real chance to make Rwanda a hub for healthcare in the region, and we see many sectors where we can collaborate.'
He also highlighted innovation and the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare as key areas the Czech Republic is eager to explore further with Rwanda.
The two countries have an existing partnership focused on training Rwandan medical specialists in three core areas: gynecologic oncology, plastic surgery, and traumatology (the branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of injuries caused by physical trauma, such as accidents or violence).
Czech medical teams visit Rwanda three to four times a year, performing between 40 and 50 surgeries per visit while training 70 to 80 Rwandan healthcare professionals in different departments.
The collaboration also includes opportunities for Rwandan doctors to receive advanced training in Czech medical universities, with five Rwandan doctors travelling there annually to enhance their expertise.
Dr. Fernand Rwamwejo, Deputy Head of Health Workforce Development Department, Ministry of Health, emphasised the importance of close collaboration between public and private hospitals in improving national healthcare delivery.
'The doctors we train often work in private facilities like this one. Strengthening collaboration between public and private hospitals is vital for increasing the overall capacity to serve patients. The support Legacy Clinics receives, including medical supplies and ambulances, complements the government's efforts,' Dr. Rwamwejo said.
Jean Malic Kalima, the Chairman of Legacy Clinics & Diagnostics, praised the Ministry of Health for easing access to medical supplies and promoting equity between public and private hospitals.
'The Ministry is working to ensure that what is available in public hospitals is also accessible to private ones. This inclusiveness has made a noticeable difference,' Kalima stated.
In 2024 alone, Legacy Clinics & Diagnostics served over 117,000 patients across its 23 departments. Among the new services introduced last year is plastic surgery, which focuses on repairing and reconstructing various parts of the body.
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