Rwanda’s healthcare sector is seeing major improvements as the country now counts more than 500 health centers and over 50 hospitals, according to the Ministry of Health. Plans are also underway to open new university teaching hospitals across the country, further expanding access to medical care and training opportunities.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana shared the news during an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), highlighting how far the nation has come in strengthening its health infrastructure.
“Health centers have grown from about 100 in the early years to over 510 today,” Nsanzimana said. “We also have nearly 57 hospitals, and basic health posts have increased from zero to 1,200.”
The new teaching hospitals will be located in Ruhengeri, Kibungo, Rwamagana, Kabgayi, Butaro, Kibogora, Kibagabaga, Nyamata, and Byumba. They join the ranks of existing university hospitals including the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), Rwanda Military Hospital, University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB), King Faisal Hospital and Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital.
“These new facilities will not only serve patients but also help train the next generation of Rwandan health professionals,” Nsanzimana said.
The Ministry of Health began upgrading nine hospitals into teaching institutions in 2022 as part of a national strategy to increase the number of skilled medical specialists by 2030.
The government aims to train more than 6,500 medical professionals by 2030. That includes 464 dentists, 1,241 graduates in health sciences, 2,572 in medicine and pharmacy, and 2,236 nurses and midwives.
Nsanzimana noted that the country’s health system started with small clinics set up near mining areas, such as Rutongo in Kigali and Rwinkwavu in the Eastern Province.
Over the years, the government has focused on bringing services closer to communities while making healthcare more affordable. The introduction of Mutuelle de Santé, Rwanda’s community-based health insurance scheme, in the early 2000s was a turning point in expanding access to care.
“As we build more hospitals and train more health workers, our goal is to ensure every Rwandan can get timely, affordable, and quality care,” Nsanzimana said.
