[UAH] SCREW UPDF - PENTAGON OPENS MILITARY HOSPITAL IN RWANDA

Army Hospital Built By US Pentagon Opens In North Rwanda

The Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) in collaboration with the United States of America (USA) on Friday launched an Army Hospital to provide medical care to RDF soldiers and to the local communities. The Hospital is based in Gicumbi district, in Rwanda's Northern Province

The new Army Hospital will be providing medical care to HIV/AIDS-positive people

The Army Hospital's launching ceremony took place within the barracks of RDF's 503 Brigade. This medical facility, with its all-around equipment, will also sensitize the military personnel and local communities to use other healthcare services.

This Army Hospital was built with funds from collaboration between the USA through Drew Care International and the Rwandan Military, RDF.

 "The target is collaboration"

 The statement was made by Col. Dr. Ben Karenzi, head of the Rwanda Military Hospital, and who was a delegate for the Rwanda Chief of Staff at the function.

 According to Col. Dr. Karenzi, the launch of this Army Hospital is a major milestone in the continued effort to provide medical care services to RDF and to the rest of the civilian population. And only a health insurance card will be necessary for one to access healthcare services at the Gicumbi-based Army Hospital.

Before the launching ceremony, guests were shown around the Army Hospital

Col. Dr. Karenzi said the new hospital will be a vital supplement to other hospitals operating in Gicumbi district because the Army Hospital has enough equipment for HIV/AIDS testing, carrying out circumcision operation using the up-to-date PrePex technique and has a state-of-the-art laboratory.

And speaking on behalf of the US Government, Dr. Mike said he is proud of the collaboration between his Government and RDF. He thanked many in RDF for taking care of many people through helping them to continue living with their HIV/AIDS-positive status and providing other medical services.

A local resident volunteers for an HIV/AIDS testing operation. The operation will be part of the many medical care services at this Army Hospital.

A glimpse into the Army Hospital's Laboratory

Dr. Mike further said that he hopes that the current, less-developed medical care partnership between his Government and RDF will grow even bigger in the days ahead because he has noticed that there are many in the Rwandan Army who are up to the task.

An RDF soldier gives a kick to a motorcycle given to the Army Hospital to facilitate work movements.

To-date, such Army hospitals have been put up in about six of Rwanda's 30 districts. And the programme is set to expand to the remaining districts.

___________________________________

Gwokto La'Kitgum