Dr. Yvan Butera visits Gicumbi tosStrengthen health services and address sector challenges
Dr. Yvan Butera, the State Minister in the Ministry of Health, visited the health post located at the Gatuna border in Cyumba Sector, Gicumbi District, to observe the provision of health services. He also toured Byumba Hospital to assess how the health of residents is being safeguarded and to identify areas still facing challenges.
During his visit to Gicumbi on October 21, 2025, local officials informed him that there remains a shortage of medical personnel across the 23 health centers in the district, as well as persistent issues related to payment processes between health facilities and the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).
They also highlighted the need for more computers to facilitate the registration of patients receiving medical services. Dr. Butera assured them that solutions to some of these problems are already underway and will be implemented soon.
He commended the dedication and professionalism of health workers serving at health centers, particularly those at the upgraded Rutare Medicalized Health Center in Rutare Sector and at Byumba Hospital.
Dr. Butera explained that some of the challenges presented are being addressed, including the shortage of health workers. He noted that additional schools and training programs in nursing and midwifery have been established to increase the number of professionals providing essential health services.
He was also informed that many health facilities lack smartphones capable of sharing data efficiently. He promised that this issue would be resolved by the end of the year, emphasizing that reliance on manual recordkeeping is outdated, despite the commendable efforts of health workers using the tools they currently have.
He said: “Soon, by the end of this year, we will ensure that paper-based systems are reduced.”
In a meeting with Gicumbi District authorities, health officials from Byumba Hospital and surrounding health centers, and community health workers, Dr. Butera pledged strong collaboration in addressing the reported challenges. He urged all health workers to remain passionate about their mission of protecting public health.
He further emphasized the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards, noting that many diseases affecting citizens stem from poor sanitation.
Dr. Butera stated: “I appreciate the hard and good work you do. For those experiencing phone shortages, I assure you that they will be provided before the end of the year. There will also be improvements in health centers, including increasing the number of midwives and nurses. The goal is to upgrade all health centers in the country to medicalized status.”
He added: “At Byumba Hospital, we have deployed specialists to train staff on maternal care, including how to assist mothers and newborns.”
He also revealed that the next step would be to bring in specialists in surgery and explore ways of using digital tools to enhance medical services, particularly in emergency departments.
He concluded: “Please continue to uphold cleanliness in hospitals and promote hygiene practices among the community.”
Gicumbi District Mayor, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, praised the Ministry of Health’s efforts to strengthen health services in facilities near the Gatuna border. He noted that residents no longer need to cross into Uganda for eye or dental treatments, as doctors have been deployed to provide those services locally — in fact, patients from Uganda now come to Gicumbi for treatment.
He said: “This has been a great relief for residents of Cyumba and Rubaya sectors, and even for people from Bungwe in Burera District, who used to seek medical treatment in the neighboring country. Now, they no longer need to do so.”
The small health post established at the Gatuna border in 2017 currently receives between 1,200 and 1,500 patients per month.
However, some Ugandan patients have requested a reduction in medical fees, explaining that they pay 100% out of pocket, unlike Rwandan citizens who benefit from the national health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé) and other insurance programs.
