In the context of the ongoing three-month Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme 2024, medical personnel from the Rwanda Military Hospital, operating under the RDF, are providing complimentary medical treatment to residents in the districts of Ruhango (Southern Province) and Nyamasheke (Western Province) from 29 April to 5 May 2024.

At Kibogora Hospital in Nyamasheke and Kinazi Hospital in Ruhango, approximately 500 patients are treated each day, relieving many individuals within these communities of healthcare costs. Medics will transfer to Gitwe Hospital in the upcoming week.

The services offered during this outreach encompass Orthopedics, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), Pediatrics, Dentistry, and Clinical Psychology.

Albert Ngamije, aged 66 and a resident of Kinazi sector in Ruhango district, expressed gratitude to His Excellency The President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the RDF for deploying the army and police for providing healthcare to Rwandans. "I arrived here with a vision issue, and an ophthalmologist provided care, prescribing complimentary medications to improve my sight. It's impressive to receive treatment from a military professional."

Beatha Mukandekezi, aged 59 and a resident of Cyato sector in Nyamasheke, stated that she had been searching for a good dentist. Upon hearing that RDF medics were coming to the area, she rushed to be among the first to receive treatment. "I've been informed that the medicines I received today are more effective for my toothache. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the army for bringing their high-quality medical services to remote places like ours here," she said.

Dr Emile Tuyishime, the director of Kinazi Provincial Hospital, noted that his staff benefitted from observing RDF medics. "Their customer care and ability to treat a large number of people in a short period of time, ensuring their satisfaction: This is a practice we've acquired and will consistently implement in our daily operations," he said.

The Mayor of Nyamasheke district, Narcisse Mupenzi, commented, "When the RDF and the National Police engage in such initiatives, it paints a distinct picture for us. The individuals we engage with express a desire for consistent outreach efforts like these. The current initiatives in our district focus on healthcare, early childhood development, and infrastructure. These endeavours will elevate us to a new level, as we've long sought funding to support these endeavors."

Under the theme "30 Years of Liberation: Defence and Security Organs with the Community Partnering for Rwanda’s Development," this initiative was launched on 1st March this year.

This year’s Defence and Security Outreach Programme 2024 will encompass initiatives such as the construction of 31 homes for those in need, the construction of 15 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, the construction of 13 bridges, and the distribution of four boats. Other efforts include the distribution of 800 livestock for community farming, provision of medical treatment, water and electricity supply to 327 households, and enhancement of other infrastructures.