As part of its ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, Rwanda launched a major project in March 2023 to expand the capacity and infrastructure of Masaka Hospital in Kicukiro District. The facility is set to become the new home of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK).
The hospital is being constructed by the Chinese company Shanghai Construction Group Co. Ltd and is expected to cost RWF 85 billion, equivalent to about 580 million Chinese Yuan.
Once completed, the new Masaka Hospital will accommodate 827 patients, effectively doubling CHUK’s current capacity, which stands at around 400 beds.
According to the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), which shared updates on its X (formerly Twitter) account, construction work has now reached 96% completion. This means the project is only 4% away from being fully completed.
Photos shared by RHA reveal the installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment that will be used for patient care. The facility features modern and spacious wards, with rooms designed to host nine beds, four beds, two beds, or single beds — a significant upgrade in patient comfort.
Unlike most hospitals, each room is equipped with its own bathroom and shower, ensuring better hygiene and privacy for patients.
The hospital’s design also emphasizes environmental sustainability, with natural ventilation systems that reduce the need for air conditioning. Each room includes a balcony area where recovering patients can enjoy sunlight and fresh air.
Accessibility has also been prioritized. The hospital features smooth pathways suitable for people with disabilities and elevators connecting different floors for easy movement of staff and patients alike.
Masaka Hospital is located within an area dedicated to healthcare and medical research. Nearby stands IRCAD Africa, a specialized facility that trains surgeons in cancer surgery and robotic-assisted procedures. Additionally, the area will host a cardiac treatment center and several upcoming projects aimed at advancing medical care and scientific research in Rwanda.
The near completion of the Masaka Hospital expansion marks a major milestone, signaling that CHUK’s relocation from its current site in downtown Kigali is just around the corner — a move expected to greatly improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the country.
KIGALI TIMES
