The announcement was made by Dr. Yvan Butera, the State Minister in charge of Primary Healthcare, during a plenary session of the Senate on Wednesday, where he represented the Prime Minister to present the Government’s strategy for addressing persistent challenges in the functioning of local health facilities.

Dr. Butera said the new measure is part of a broader plan by the Ministry of Health to expand and modernize community health posts across the country, ensuring that every citizen can access essential healthcare within their local area.

“We are beginning with 15 community health posts, mainly in high-demand locations such as border communities,” said Dr. Butera. “These facilities will start offering selected services  including basic eye and dental care  that RAMA beneficiaries will be entitled to use. This will make healthcare more accessible and equitable for all.”

He noted that while simple eye and dental cases will be treated at these posts, complex conditions will still be referred to district or referral hospitals.

The Ministry is also investing in improving infrastructure and staffing. Currently, Rwanda has 1,294 community health posts, but about 8.2% are not fully operational due to staffing shortages. Efforts are underway to close that gap  including the recent deployment of 13 eye specialists and 11 dental practitioners to 24 health posts, as well as the construction of 10 new facilities in underserved areas.

Dr. Butera further revealed that 420 health posts have been earmarked for renovation to meet national healthcare standards, while 100 additional posts will be built within the next five years, prioritizing densely populated regions.

He also highlighted plans to expand maternal and reproductive health services at community level, supported by trained midwives and specialists, along with the introduction of digital systems to enhance service quality.

“Our goal is that by 2028, at least 95% of Rwandans seeking healthcare will receive it through community health workers, health centers, or local health posts,” Dr. Butera said. “We are strengthening the foundation of our healthcare system so that no one is left behind.”

The initiative underscores Rwanda’s commitment to universal health coverage, with a focus on accessibility, efficiency, and citizen-centered service delivery.