The University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) has officially unveiled new medical equipment featuring advanced technology for diagnosing and performing surgery on complex diseases, in a move aimed at bringing high-quality and modern healthcare services closer to citizens.
The development was highlighted during a visit by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana on 27 February 2026, who toured the newly introduced services and officially inaugurated new departments and equipment installed at the hospital, located in Huye District.
Among the newly unveiled equipment are MRI and CT Scan machines, installed at CHUB for the first time. These machines are expected to enhance the diagnosis of various conditions, including brain disorders, heart diseases, and other internal organ complications, without the need for invasive surgery.
The new services are set to significantly reduce the number of patients who were previously referred to distant hospitals for specialized examinations, particularly those from the Western and Southern Provinces. Notably, the hospital also introduced advanced robotic-assisted technology known as ZEISS KINEVO 900 S, which is used in brain surgery to ensure greater precision and safety.
This technology enables surgeons to clearly visualize the surgical area within the brain, minimizing the risk of damaging surrounding tissues and increasing patients’ chances of recovery. It marks a major milestone in neurosurgical services in Rwanda, bringing brain surgery procedures in line with international standards.
The Minister of Health also visited and officially inaugurated a new cancer treatment unit, a renovated laboratory equipped with modern technology, and a newly constructed Simulation Centre at the hospital. The Simulation Centre will help medical students and healthcare professionals practice and refine their clinical skills using advanced technology, contributing to improved medical education and higher-quality patient care.
In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana emphasized that the installation of these new facilities and services aligns with the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening quality healthcare and reducing the need for patients to seek treatment far from home.
“Significant investment has been made by the Government of Rwanda in recent months to ensure that residents of the Western and Southern regions can access modern diagnostic and treatment services for serious illnesses that previously required referral elsewhere. This will benefit both citizens and medical students studying at the University of Rwanda. “He stated.
Patients receiving care at CHUB welcomed the new services, saying they will reduce the long distances they previously had to travel to access specialized healthcare.
Geneviève Kankindi from Rusizi District said:“When we used to come here and were found to have serious illnesses, we were referred to other distant hospitals. Now we will be able to receive treatment closer to home; it is truly something to celebrate.”
The introduction of these services underscores Rwanda’s continued progress in the health sector, with a focus on building a technology-driven and knowledge-based healthcare system and ensuring equitable access to specialized medical services for all citizens.
