Rwanda will bring RAMA insurance services directly to local clinics

State Minister Dr. Butera Ivan shared the plan on Wednesday, October 15, highlighting measures to remove barriers at local health facilities. The pilot program will start in 15 health centres ( poste de santé), particularly in high-demand areas such as border regions, before expanding to all primary health facilities nationwide.

“Services related to eye and dental care will be available, and RAMA beneficiaries will be entitled to use them. We are starting in 15 centres where demand is high,” Dr. Butera said.

Basic facilities will provide simple eye and dental care, while severe cases will be referred to major hospitals. Maternal health services, previously limited to larger centres, will also be introduced at smaller clinics (Poste de santé), staffed with trained personnel.

Currently, 8.2% of Rwanda’s 1,294 primary health centres operate irregularly due to staff shortages. Over the past four months, 13 medical professionals trained in general care, and 11 in dental care have been deployed to 24 primary health centres. The Ministry plans to rotate eye and dental specialists across different facilities to maximize coverage.

Additionally, 420 health centers require infrastructure upgrades, which MINISANTE plans to address. The ministry aims that by 2028, 95% of health services will be delivered through Community Health Workers, health posts, and primary clinics, supported by capacity building and improved infrastructure to ensure timely and effective care for all citizens.

@imvahonsha