30 Rwandan Medical Students Awarded Scholarships to Study in China.
Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana has announced that 30 Rwandan students studying medicine have been awarded scholarships to continue their studies in China. The students are expected to travel to China next month.
Minister Nsanzimana said the scholarships are part of the ongoing health cooperation between Rwanda and China. He explained that the partnership is expected to go beyond the construction of healthcare infrastructure to include medical education and training, the exchange of specialists, knowledge-sharing in health technology, and the sharing of professional experience.
“This month, we were granted new scholarships for 30 Rwandan students studying medicine. They will go to China to study medicine for several years and will return to Rwanda to treat Rwandan patients,” Minister Nsanzimana said.
The Minister also expressed confidence that health cooperation between Rwanda and China will lead to more Chinese doctors working in Rwanda for longer periods. He said specialists from China are also expected to provide training to Rwandan medical professionals at different times.
“We already have joint missions between the two sides. We expect many doctors and specialists from China to come and stay here for longer periods, working in different departments,” he said.
Minister Nsanzimana urged the public not to view Rwanda-China health cooperation solely through the healthcare infrastructure being built with Chinese support. He said the partnership should also be assessed based on the benefits it brings directly to citizens.
“It is important that we put citizens at the center of what we do. A building may be standing here, but without citizens benefiting from it, it is just a building,” he said.
Minister Nsanzimana confirmed that health cooperation between Rwanda and China has lasted for more than 40 years. He said the partnership began with Chinese doctors providing assistance at Kibungo Hospital.
He added that Rwanda and China will continue working together to ensure that healthcare infrastructure is accompanied by knowledge, experience and services that directly benefit patients.
Technology was also highlighted by Minister Nsanzimana as an important area in which the two countries will deepen their cooperation, particularly technologies that will make it easier for Rwandans to access specialized healthcare services.
The health partnership is also expected to strengthen cultural and professional exchanges between the two countries. Citizens of Rwanda and China will have opportunities to travel between the two countries for education, medical treatment and professional training aimed at strengthening their careers in the healthcare sector.
