Rwf85 billion Masaka Hospital inaugurated as CHUK relocation nears

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda has inaugurated the expanded Masaka Hospital, a Rwf85 billion facility that will house the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) as the country moves to expand its capacity for specialised healthcare.

The facility was officially handed over to the Government on Friday, August 28, by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda after four years of construction and expansion works.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana and Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi.

The expansion has increased Masaka Hospital’s floor area from 6,398 square metres to 56,957 square metres, while its bed capacity has risen from 127 to more than 800.

The project was implemented by Chinese construction company Shanghai Construction Group Co. Ltd.

Nsanzimana said the facility had undergone inspection and was ready to start receiving patients, while preparations were underway to relocate CHUK from its current location in central Kigali.

He said the relocation would be conducted in phases to avoid disrupting essential medical services.

“We are preparing for patients to start receiving services here. Some preparations have already been completed, while others are being finalised,” Nsanzimana said.

He added that equipment and systems from CHUK were being integrated into the new facility as part of the relocation process.

Focus on specialised treatment

The expanded hospital is expected to increase Rwanda’s capacity to provide specialised and complex medical treatment.

Nsanzimana said the facility would offer services that are currently limited in the country, including advanced surgery and organ transplantation.

He cited liver and bone marrow transplantation among services Rwanda intends to develop, building on kidney transplantation services already available at King Faisal Hospital.

The government expects the expansion of such services to reduce the number of patients travelling abroad for complex medical treatment.

It also hopes the facility will attract patients from other African countries seeking specialised care.

Modern medical infrastructure

The new Masaka Hospital includes inpatient and outpatient facilities, modern patient wards and infrastructure designed to support advanced medical services.

The facility has 18 operating theatres, in addition to dedicated theatres for maternity services.

It is equipped with medical technology including MRI, X-ray and radiology equipment, while a helipad has been constructed to facilitate emergency transfers of critically ill patients.

Patient rooms include both shared and private accommodation, with attached bathrooms and facilities designed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

China to support next phase

Ambassador Gao said the completion of the construction phase would be followed by a second phase focused on cooperation in medical training, research and knowledge exchange.

He said Rwanda and China would continue working together to strengthen the skills and expertise of healthcare professionals.

The expanded Masaka Hospital is expected to become a major referral and teaching facility once CHUK services are fully transferred.

The relocation is part of Rwanda’s broader efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure and increase access to specialised treatment within the country.