On January 16, 2025, the Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana briefed the Senators on the implementation of the Health Policy with a focus on the development of Health Posts.
The briefing is part of an all-Senators field visit activity in all districts, aimed at assessing efforts to advance Health Posts. This visit is scheduled from January 21 to January 30, 2025.
Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stated that Health Posts have contributed significantly to the advancement of medical services, as evidenced by the increasing number of citizens receiving treatment at these centres. The number of people served by Health Posts has risen from 71,212 in 2016-2017 to 3,963,545 in 2023-2024.
The Minister of Health emphasized that the goal of the Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP V) is to increase the number of citizens seeking treatment at health centres by 2030.
He stated, "Rwandans currently receive care at primary health Facilities, including health posts, health centres, and community health workers, at a rate of 85%. We aim to raise this to 95%, as this will reduce hospital overcrowding and allow people to seek early treatment before illnesses become severe."
To bring healthcare services closer to the people, the government of Rwanda has committed to establishing at least one Health Post at the level of each Cell. The number of Health Posts established has increased from 670 in 2016-2017 to 1,280 in 2023-2024, including 102 second-generation. 80% of these Health Posts are functioning well, while 20% face challenges that are being addressed.
The Ministry of Health indicates that, under the Rwanda Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP V), 100 new Health Posts will be built in addition to the existing ones, and another 420 will be renovated.
The aim is to transform health services by establishing fully equipped, safe, user-friendly, climate-resilient, and accredited health facilities that embrace innovation.
The President of the Senate stated that they have observed positive progress in the health sector policy, noting that this will aid in their efforts to visit citizens, gather sufficient information on the activities, and identify the challenges that need to be addressed to improve the functionality of Health Posts.
