Rwanda performs nearly 90 kidney transplants and over 860 heart surgeries in 2025

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda recorded major healthcare milestones in 2025, performing nearly 90 kidney transplants and more than 860 heart surgeries, a development that signals the country’s growing capacity to treat complex medical conditions locally.

According to King Faisal Hospital (KFH), where the procedures were carried out, 88 patients received kidney transplants during the year, while 861 heart surgeries were performed, including 543 children and 318 adults.

The achievements mark a significant shift from previous years when patients with such conditions were routinely referred abroad for treatment.

Kidney transplants, introduced in Rwanda in 2023, and advanced cardiac surgeries are now fully integrated into the country’s specialized healthcare services at KFH.

“These are services that were once only accessible outside the country,” said Dr. Augustin Sendegeya, Director General in charge of Medical Services at KFH. “Their availability in Rwanda demonstrates how far our healthcare system has progressed.”

Beyond reducing medical referrals abroad, the services have eased the financial burden on patients.

While kidney transplants can cost more than USD 20,000 in foreign hospitals, in Rwanda the procedures are covered under community-based health insurance, allowing patients to receive care throughout the year.

Rwanda is also preparing to fully localize kidney transplant services.

Dr. Sendegeya said that by January 2026, all transplant procedures are expected to be performed entirely by Rwandan doctors, following an intensive skills transfer program with international partners.

The frequency of kidney transplant operations has increased significantly—from once every three months in the early stages to monthly procedures, with plans to move to weekly operations starting in 2026.

In parallel, the government has intensified efforts to strengthen the health workforce. Rwanda aims to raise the doctor-to-population ratio from one doctor per 1,000 people to four per 1,000.

Two years into the program, 45% of the target has been achieved, with 1,522 students already enrolled in medical training programs.