{"id":121829,"date":"2026-04-11T15:11:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T15:11:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/masaka-hospital-receives-new-surgical-equipment"},"modified":"2026-04-11T15:16:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T15:16:31","slug":"masaka-hospital-receives-new-surgical-equipment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/masaka-hospital-receives-new-surgical-equipment","title":{"rendered":"Masaka Hospital Receives New Surgical Equipment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Masaka hospital in Kicukiro District has received new medical equipment worth Rwf30 million, expected to strengthen surgical services and improve patient care.<\/p>\n

The equipment, donated by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda and the Chinese medical team, was handed over on Friday, April 10. It includes a hydraulic integrated operating table, a stainless steel fan-shaped instrument table, a manual wheelchair, and an auxiliary surgical operating lamp.<\/p>\n

Oreste Tuganeyezu, the Head of Department of Clinical and Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said the equipment will enhance surgical care at the hospital.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe equipment will mainly be used in providing surgical services, where it will help improve the functioning of operating theatres and expand access to surgical care,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi interacts with the Chinese team<\/p>\n

\u201cThe donated equipment strengthens the capacity of operating rooms… This means that operating rooms, which were already in use, have now been upgraded to provide services 24\/7.\u201d<\/p>\n

He noted the donation by the Chinese builds on decades of cooperation in the health sector, particularly through Chinese medical teams deployed to support both treatment and skills transfer. The current cohort comprises 18 doctors working in Masaka and Kibungo hospitals.<\/p>\n

The partnership has previously contributed to the construction of Masaka Hospital and the renovation of Kibungo Hospital in Ngoma District, alongside the provision of equipment, training programmes, and other health interventions.<\/p>\n

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi, said the donation reflects continued cooperation between the two countries.<\/p>\n

Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi speaks to the officials of Masaka hospital on Friday.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis donation continues China’s longstanding tradition of standing alongside Rwanda, and we believe it will make a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of Rwandans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese urgently needed materials will help save lives, improve treatment conditions, and bring comfort to patients,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Gao noted that the collaboration has expanded over the years, with facilities supported under the partnership serving more than 500,000 residents.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe medical collaboration between China and Rwanda is extensive, profound, and fruitful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Masaka Hospital in Kicukiro District, is used to host medical team from China to conduct advanced medical services.<\/p>\n

Since 1982, up tp 26 medical teams comprising 343 members have been deployed to Rwanda, treating over 720,000 patients, performing more than 40,000 surgeries.<\/p>\n

The ambassador added that over the past two months, the current team has conducted more than 200 operations and treated over 5,000 patients, while also carrying out outreach and training activities and introducing new treatment techniques.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have introduced new technique including the childbirth technique combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern obstetric care in Masaka Hospital and first thyroid and breast surgeries in Kibungo Hospital. Their high level of professionalism has earned deep recognition from the staff of both hospitals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The handover took place at Masaka hospital on Friday<\/p>\n

He added that ongoing expansion works at Masaka Hospital are expected to elevate the facility into a major teaching and referral facility. Once complete, the expanded hospital will be the premises of Univerity Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), which plans to relocate from Nyarugenge District.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2022, China initiated the renovation and expansion of Masaka Hospital, which is set to become Rwanda’s largest modern comprehensive teaching hospital with multi-functional facilities, serving as a central medical institution for both Rwanda and neighboring countries,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will continue to support the China Medical Team in promoting Rwanda\u2019s healthcare development and elevating bilateral cooperation to a higher level with enhanced quality… China is willing to join hands with Rwanda to jointly open a new chapter in medical cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zhang Shenmao, representing the 26th Chinese medical team, said the donation is intended to support the hospital\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

Zhang Shenmao, representing the 26th Chinese medical team, said the donation is intended to support the hospital\u2019s work<\/p>\n

\u201cThis medical equipment is a gift from us. We hope it can help the hospital work better. We hope it can help more patients. We hope more people can keep healthy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will keep working hard. We will keep helping this hospital. We will keep the friendship between China and Rwanda strong,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Masaka Hospital Director General Jean-Damasce\u0300ne Hanyurwimfura said the cooperation has strengthened service delivery at the facility.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe medical experts are not only improving patient’s conditions here but also sharing valuable knowledge to support our staff and strengthen our system. Thanks to this cooperation, we have been able to expand our services.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chinese officials pose for a photo with their Rwandan counterparts during the handover of the equipment. Photo by Dan Gatsinzi.<\/p>\n\r\n