Ministry of Health Commemorates the Genocide Against the Tutsi at CHUB

By The Inspirer.

The Ministry of Health used to organize its own commemorative activities, while the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) held its separate events. However, for the 30th anniversary, they conducted the commemoration together.

The event took place at CHUB and was attended by Ministry of Health employees and other affiliated entities.

Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, explained the reason for choosing CHUB for the commemoration:

“In 1994, CHUB was the only major university hospital in Rwanda. It was also home to the medical school at the University of Rwanda at that time. It had the highest number of doctors in the country.”

“It was also where doctors committed severe crimes during the Genocide Against the Tutsi. Beyond refusing to treat or save patients, they starved and killed their colleagues. This has been highlighted in various reports by MINUBUMWE and international organizations.” he added.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana also mentioned that the loss of medical professionals during the genocide left a significant gap, which is why they have a plan to increase their numbers and instill the value of life in them.

“We lost many professionals during those three months, leaving a huge gap in the healthcare sector. We plan to increase the number of doctors and ensure their values remain positive, building on the lessons from this history and teaching them to value life while condemning the actions of those who tarnished our profession’s reputation.”

CHUB employees expressed shame over the cowardice shown by doctors during the genocide, which has left them with lessons to ensure they never repeat such actions.

Jean Nepomuscène Ntawurushimana said, “When we think about what our colleagues did, we feel ashamed, but we also try to find ways to ensure we never engage in such terrible actions again.”

Reports by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and international organizations show that a significant number of doctors who participated in the genocide were from CHUB.

Out of the 68 doctors involved nationwide, 28 were from CHUB, including three medical students. Most of them have been brought to justice, and there is hope that the remaining ones will also be apprehended.

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