The Government of Rwanda is upgrading Ngarama Hospital to replace the old infrastructure, with the project expected to cost over Frw 16 billion, including equipment to be installed. Some of the first multi-storey buildings have already been completed.

Located in Gatsibo District, the hospital is among facilities that had significantly deteriorated over the years. Through the Jya Mbere project under the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), construction works have commenced alongside the provision of modern equipment to enhance service delivery.

In the first phase of the project, a two-storey building worth Frw 4.5 billion has been completed. It accommodates maternity services, neonatal care, pediatric services, and four operating theatres.

The second phase involves the construction of another building valued at Frw 9.5 billion, which is currently at 40% completion. It will host all remaining services. In addition, medical equipment worth over Frw 2 billion is being installed. The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, resulting in a fully modernized Ngarama Hospital.

The Director General of Ngarama Hospital, Nzambimana Jean Bosco, said the hospital was first built in 1980 and had become overwhelmed by the growing population, with all its infrastructure aging.

He said: “Patients were being received in very small and dilapidated spaces. We thank the Head of State for supporting the construction of these new hospital facilities. The first phase is already complete and operational; we are now receiving patients in a much improved environment, and both the community and staff are very pleased.”

A resident of Nyagihanga Sector, Ujeneza Julienne, noted that since the completion of the new buildings, service delivery has significantly improved, and the community is satisfied with the visible transformation at Ngarama Hospital.

Another beneficiary, Bwizere Jean Marie from Kabarore Sector, said: “We are very happy. In the past, services relied on paper-based systems, and once a file was lost, it was difficult to get another. Payments were also made only in cash. But now, in the new hospital, everything is digital; we truly appreciate the quality services we are receiving.”

The Mayor of Gatsibo District, Gasana Richard, stated that Ngarama Hospital was designed to serve nearby sectors as well as refugees from Nyabiheke Camp, adding that once completed, it will be a model facility equipped with advanced infrastructure and equipment.

The Refugee Programme Manager at MINEMA, Gonzague Karagire, emphasized that the Government of Rwanda is committed to ensuring refugees enjoy living conditions comparable to host communities, noting that the construction of Ngarama Hospital is part of efforts to bring essential services closer to refugee-hosting areas.

He said: “When a patient is referred from a health center in the camp, they are sent to Ngarama Hospital. We are therefore expanding its capacity so that it can effectively serve both the host community and refugees.”

Ngarama Hospital serves more than 300,000 people, including residents from seven health centers in Gatsibo District, one in Nyabiheke Refugee Camp, and three others in Nyagatare District; Mimuli, Katabagemu, and Nyagahita.