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During the ongoing Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme (DSCOP), conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and The Fred Hollows Foundation Rwanda, eye care services and cataract surgeries were provided to patients at Gatunda Hospital in Nyagatare District.

More than 150 patients are expected to undergo eye surgeries at Gatunda Hospital under the same initiative scheduled along this week, which aims to restore sight and improve the quality of life of vulnerable citizens.

Speaking after the surgeries, Brig Gen Dr John Nkurikiye, Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Health Services, emphasized the important role played by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) in delivering specialized healthcare services to communities across the country. He noted that the outreach programme demonstrates the commitment of defence and security institutions to improving community wellbeing through medical support.

Brig Gen Dr Nkurikiye further highlighted that the programme aims to provide eye surgeries to more than 6,000 patients nationwide this year. He also commended the strong partnership between RDF, RNP, The Fred Hollows Foundation Rwanda and the Ministry of Health in supporting the initiative.

Tiva Kananura, Director of The Fred Hollows Foundation Rwanda, noted that the collaboration with defence and security institutions is aimed at reducing preventable blindness in the country and improving access to quality eye care services, particularly for people aged 50 years and above

Mukandereya Philomene expressed deep emotion after regaining her sight following two years of blindness caused by cataracts. She thanked His Excellency President Paul Kagame for his continued care and support for Rwandans, especially vulnerable citizens.

Higiro François, Philomene’s husband, who had also struggled with blindness for three years, expressed his gratitude to the military doctors for helping him regain his sight after years of living in darkness.

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