The first Indian medical mission to Rwanda was by Rotary, initiated by Mr. Rajendra K.Saboo, in April-May, 2012. As collaboration between Rotary district 3080 in India and Rotary district 9150 in Rwanda a team of 17 high level expert surgeons and doctors from India came to work in Kigali to carry out ophthalmology, orthopedic corrective, plastic, dental and maxillofacial, ENT, gynae, urology and general surgeries. During 10 days period, the complicated cases were taken up to provide relief and treatment to the needy people of the country. It was very satisfactory to the Indian team as also to the health authorities of Rwanda.
So impressed was the Hon’ble Health Minister Dr. Agnes Binagwaho that she invited such a medical mission from Rotary India again with a focus on plastic surgery to take care of the genocide victims. Thus, a second team of Rotary came again to Kigali with specialization in plastic surgery and worked for 9 days in October, 2013. By this time the relationship between Rotary and Rwandan Health Ministry got further cemented and as a result of which a team of Indian surgeons and doctors specializing in orthopedic and maxillofacial supported by plastic surgeries came again to Kigali to work for 9 days from 9 to 18 August, 2014.
Recognizing the remarkable cooperation given by the Rwandan Rotarians and medical authorities, the Indians felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity received to serve humanity. Similarly the Rwandan authorities and Rotarians were deeply appreciative of the voluntary work that the Indian team did. The conditions at the CHUG Hospital were extremely congenial that led to the medical faculties, both the visiting team and the local medical faculty members, share experience in the field of medical science and education. This was extremely beneficial to the local doctors.
Impressed and touched by this harmony, Rotary in India offered the treatment of 30 Rwandan children suffering from congenital cardiac disorder for open heart surgery (including valve replacement) in Chandigarh, India free of cost with travel expenses being paid by Rwandan authorities. Under this program 30 children have already been treated for the heart surgeries.
These medical projects were facilitated in India by the Rwandan High Commissioner and his office in New Delhi with special reference to H.E. Ernest Rwamucyo. Undoubtedly, the activities mentioned above have enhanced the relationship between India and Rwanda. It is hoped that such activities will get further extended as Rwanda moves forward in its own growth and development program.
Normally Rotary medical teams do not repeat working in the same location or country with the objective of bringing humanitarian services to other parts of the African continent. It has been the persuasive power and cordiality on the part of the Rwanda people that the Indian Rotary has continued to respect such bonds and has repeated the medical missions.
During this 4th Rotary Medical Mission ,a team of 18 specialized Doctors and 9 Volunteers will offer free treatment to hundreds of patients waiting to be operated upon for physical deformations that relate to accidents, diseases and other defects. This time two Hospitals have been selected: CHUK and Rwanda Military Hospital “RMH”.
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International under the global grant GG1639021 have once again agreed to fund this project exceptionally for the 4th consecutive year in Rwanda.
The 2015-2016 President of Rotary International K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran and his spouse Vanathy will be travelling to Rwanda in order to participate in the program from 1st-3rd March 2016 . This will be the first time in Rotary’s 111-year-old history that a sitting President of Rotary International will visit Rwanda.