Rwanda’s liberation on July 4, 1994 coincided with the beginning of La Croix du Sud Hospital known locally as KWA NYIRINKWAYA, a premier private medical facility. Distinguished for its world-class healthcare, it began as a specialized clinic in gynecology and obstetrics – services which undisputedly make it unique in the region today. “KWA NYIRINKWAYA” is the name affectionately used by locals to refer to this hospital, coined in honor of its Founder and CEO, Dr. Jean C. Nyirinkwaya. A gynecologist who laid the foundation starting from a humble private clinic in Kigali City upon his return to his homeland.
Over the time, the small clinic expanded into Polyclinic La Croix du Sud due to high demand, eventually performing over 1,000 deliveries annually. In 2009, it moved to modern premises in Remera, Gasabo District, becoming a full-fledged hospital.
“Since 1995, every aspect of our service has been tailored to our patients’ needs,” notes Dr. Nyirinkwaya, emphasizing excellence as the hospital’s top priority.
Dr. Jean C. Nyirinkwaya, the Founder and CEO La Croix du Sud Hospital
With a vision of becoming a leader in Rwanda’s healthcare sector and the region, La Croix du Sud Hospital aims to enhance both preventive and curative medical services. This involves providing quality healthcare by employing modern technology, fostering professionalism, and prioritizing patient satisfaction.
The hospital upholds five core principles – Integrity, Respect, Quality, Empathy, and Teamwork – to ensure excellence in healthcare delivery.
To meet the increasing demand for medical care, the hospital expanded its services, establishing a second branch in Gisenyi, Rubavu District, and introduced new medical specialties. This branch addresses healthcare needs of the residents in western Rwanda and parts of the eastern region of the DR Congo.
The mission to increase access to their healthcare services and reach as many Rwandans as possible countrywide is one of the underlying objectives behind the projects that have seen massive investment and attracted large attention in recent years.
La Croix du Sud Hospital has expanded its services, particularly in gynecology, earning the nickname “the women’s hospital” among Rwandans. Additionally, it has opened a second branch in Gisenyi, Rubavu District, Western Province.
The hospital has substantially increased its capacity, with a staff of 37 medical specialists and nine general practitioners across various departments such as gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, anesthesia, radiology, and dentistry. Additionally, it employs over 300 medical workers, including nurses, technicians, and support personnel
The main hospital in Kigali is currently installed with more than 106 beds including ICU, NICU and serves approximately 350 outpatients daily. While the branch in Gisenyi has at least 40 beds. Such efforts significantly reflect the hospital’s commitment to expand its presence and capacity to increase access to the standard healthcare services, which define this hospital.
Records indicate that more than 30,000 babies have been delivered at La Croix du Sud since its birth and today more than 3,000 deliveries are performed yearly.
Preventive Medicine and the Future
Committed to advance healthcare, the hospital emphasizes preventive medicine alongside curative treatments. Currently, preventive services offered include; cervical and breast cancer screenings, as well as general screenings. Vaccination programs have been strengthened, covering diseases such as TB, Polio, PENTA, PNEUMOCOCCAL, ROTAVIRUS, MEASLE, RUBELLA, and TETANOS for children, Hepatitis B, and Tetanos for adults.
Looking ahead, the hospital is undertaking a significant expansion project, constructing a modern complex to augment its current capacity. The ongoing project includes adding new wards, consultation rooms, theaters, and other services currently not provided.
