Residents receiving treatment at Kamanyana Health post, located in Cyanika Sector near the border with Uganda in Burera District, say the facility has been a game-changer in providing dental and eye care services. Before it offered these services, people had to travel long distances to Butaro Hospital, but now they no longer face that hardship.
Mukarukundo Anonciata shared:
“We used to travel very far for dental care. Some of us went to Gitare, others to Musanze, and we would end up spending a lot of money. Now, that burden is gone because dental, eye, and other health services are available here at our Kamanyana Health post.”
“For example, today I woke up with a toothache and decided to come here first. The doctors have already treated me and given me medicine. Another good thing is that they welcome us kindly, no one leaves without being treated, and we don’t have to wait for hours. That’s why we thank the Unity Government for understanding citizens’ needs and bringing healthcare services closer to us.” She added
These sentiments are echoed by 68-year-old Karinijabo Augustin, who was also at the health post for treatment.
“We used to go to Gitare for treatment, and as an elderly person, that journey was exhausting. But now that this center is here, we are treated quickly. For instance, a woman who fell ill in the fields was brought here urgently. Had she been taken all the way to Musanze, she might have fallen into a coma along the way. But here, they respond immediately without delays.” He spoke.
Agripine Nyirantezimana, The head of Kamanyana Health post, mentioned that one of their biggest challenges is the small size of the facility compared to the number of patients they receive. She wishes to see the center expanded.
She explained:
“Kamanyana Health post is located on a major road connecting Rwanda and Uganda, and we receive many patients. However, the building is too small. If someone is injured and needs to be transferred to a larger hospital in Ruhengeri or Butaro, they have to wait here. When many patients arrive at once, it becomes hard to attend to them properly in such a cramped space. We would request that the center be expanded so that patients can be served in a more comfortable environment.”
She also noted that in addition to space issues, there are challenges in accessing certain medications.
“Because of the type of insurance patients use, like Mutuelle de Santé, some drugs are not available in the district pharmacy, which makes it difficult to serve our clients.” she added
Mukamana Soline, Burera District Mayor, acknowledged the issue and said discussions are ongoing with the health sector to find solutions.
“We are aware of the problem at Kamanyana Health Post. We are first analyzing how many people receive services weekly or monthly. If we find it necessary based on the number of patients, we will work with health authorities to determine what’s needed for expansion.” She spoke.
Beyond offering a range of health services, Kamanyana Health post has also been a vital alternative for residents who previously had to cross into Uganda for treatment. The center now serves over 1,500 patients per month.
