CHUB Strengthens Patient Confidence Through Modern Healthcare

The University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) continues to strengthen patient confidence through modern medical technology and compassionate, patient-centered care, as highlighted during the commemoration of the International Day of the Sick, held on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The annual event, dedicated to promoting quality healthcare and compassion for patients, brought together patients, medical professionals, hospital partners, religious leaders, and other health sector stakeholders to reflect on ways of improving patient well-being and healthcare service delivery.

Patients Testify to Improved Care and Accessibility

Niyitegeka Eugénie, a patient from Ruhango District who was referred to CHUB by Kinazi Hospital, shared her experience after suffering from a uterine tumor. She said she was warmly received upon arrival and given specialized care that enabled her to walk again without a cane or external support.

“Before, my illness was beyond the capacity of Kinazi Hospital, and I had to go to Kigali, which was difficult for people with limited means. Now, we can access quality services nearby,” she said.

She added that CHUB goes beyond medical treatment by supporting patients’ overall well-being, including assistance for vulnerable patients who require special care and basic necessities.

Advanced Technology Reduces Need for Surgery and Referrals

Another patient, Nzabihimana Alphonse from Kibumbwe Sector in Nyamagabe District, said he was critically ill and had to be transported by ambulance before being referred through multiple facilities, eventually reaching CHUB.

He explained that CHUB’s modern medical equipment enabled doctors to treat his serious intestinal blockage without surgery.

“Today, illnesses like this no longer require treatment abroad. Services are available nearby. I thank the Government of Rwanda for improving healthcare so that patients receive timely care,” he said.

CHUB Expands Capacity With Modern Medical Equipment

Speaking at the event, Dr. Christian Ngarambe, Director General of CHUB, said the International Day of the Sick has been observed worldwide since 1993, following its establishment by Pope John Paul II in 1992. In Rwanda, it has now been commemorated for the 34th time.

“Caring for patients is not only the responsibility of healthcare workers; it is everyone’s duty. We must work together to ensure that patients receive convenient and compassionate services,” Dr. Ngarambe said.

He noted that CHUB has invested heavily in modern medical equipment, including tools for breast cancer treatment, brain surgery, and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, significantly strengthening its ability to diagnose and treat complex diseases.

These improvements have drastically reduced the need to refer patients to hospitals in Kigali or abroad, lowering both travel and treatment costs for patients.

Growing Public Trust in CHUB Services

CHUB management reported that the hospital receives over 120,000 patients annually. On a daily basis, the facility treats 500 to 600 outpatients, while approximately 250 patients are hospitalized.

According to hospital leadership, these figures reflect growing public trust in CHUB’s services and its central role in delivering quality healthcare in Rwanda’s Southern Province.

Leaders Call for Compassion and Institutional Cooperation

Ange Sebutege, Mayor of Huye District, emphasized the importance of love, dedication, and institutional cooperation in patient care, particularly for patients abandoned by their families.

“There is a need for cooperation among different institutions so that patients feel fully cared for, as some are often neglected by their families,” he said.

He also praised improvements in hygiene standards across health facilities, noting that better sanitation has reduced hospital-acquired infections and improved patient safety.

Cancer Care and MRI Services Transform Southern Province Healthcare

CHUB leadership further revealed that the hospital now operates a specialized cancer diagnosis and treatment unit, alongside an MRI machine that had long been unavailable in the Southern Province.

These developments have reduced patient referrals to Kigali and Butaro hospitals by approximately 75 percent, allowing patients to receive faster and more accessible care closer to home.

Restoring Dignity and Hope for Patients

Participants at the International Day of the Sick agreed that the commemoration plays a vital role in restoring patients’ confidence, giving them a voice, and ensuring they receive the respect and dignity they deserve.

The event demonstrated that CHUB continues to make remarkable progress in providing high-quality, modern, and human-centered healthcare, reinforcing its mission to deliver accessible, reliable, and compassionate medical services for all.