Rwanda expands Cancer care services: Five new Hospitals to offer Chemotherapy
The landscape of cancer care in Rwanda is set to evolve significantly with the expansion of chemotherapy services to five additional hospitals, as announced during an international cancer conference held in Kigali.
Dr. Fredrick Kateera, Deputy Executive Director of Partners in Health, revealed plans to extend oral chemotherapy services to these hospitals, aiming to enhance patient access to treatment. Currently, such services are primarily available at select institutions like the Rwanda Cancer Centre in Butaro, the Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH), and King Faisal Hospital.
“We are looking to capacitate five hospitals across the country to provide oral chemotherapy and follow up patients closer to their homes,”
stated Dr. Kateera. This initiative underscores a commitment to patient-centered care, recognizing the challenges patients face, particularly those who may not require hospitalization but still need treatment.
Collaborating with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), efforts are also underway to improve diagnostics by establishing treatment areas closer to patients. Dr. Theoneste Maniragaba, an oncologist and program director for cancer diseases at RBC, emphasized the importance of decentralizing cancer care services, envisioning a future where screenings for cervical, breast, and prostate cancers are accessible at local health centers.
For patients like Philippa Kibugu, a breast cancer survivor, the expansion of chemotherapy services represents more than just medical assistance; it alleviates financial burdens associated with travel, accommodation, and sustenance during treatment. Kibugu expressed optimism about the availability of medicines in new hospitals, which will facilitate easier access to treatment for cancer patients across Rwanda.
With over 5,000 new cancer cases identified in 2023, including significant numbers of cervical and breast cancer cases, the need for expanded cancer care services is evident. Currently offering chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, Rwanda’s commitment to enhancing its cancer care infrastructure reflects a proactive approach to addressing the growing healthcare needs of its population.
