Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana, was guest of honour, on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
The event organized by the Department of International Military Cooperation was attended by selected RDF Generals and senior officers, senior officials from RNP, NISS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassies accredited to Rwanda.
Currently 26 countries have Defences Attachés accredited to Rwanda.
The most sought-after treatment resulting in medical tourism amongst undeveloped and developing countries include; weight loss treatment, fertility treatment, cardiovascular treatment, cosmetic treatment, orthopedic treatment and cancer treatment which cannot be satisfactorily received in their home country due to lack of inadequate medical infrastructure, and high expenses. According to a report, around 650,000 people traveled from Africa for medical tourism in 2015. Since then, the numbers have been rapidly growing with the African market losing billions in medical tourism each year.
{{Dubai is Rapidly Growing as a Destination for Medical Tourism}}
In recent years, Dubai is slowly emerging as the preferred destination for medical tourism amongst international travelers, ranking sixth in the Global Medical Tourism Index issued by the International Healthcare Research Centre (IHRC). Besides its breathtaking tourist attractions from its impressive skyline, to spectacular buildings, glamorous malls, mouth-watering cuisine, high-end restaurants, 5-star hotels, stunning beaches, and dazzling nightlife, Dubai has become the latest trend in medical tourism.
Over the years, the country has invested in healthcare infrastructure with the aim of becoming one of the best medical tourism destinations in the world rapidly surpassing countries like France and Brazil with the introduction of an affordable and more effective medical care system.
The Healthcare System in Dubai is managed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) which have put in place effort to develop medical tourism as a means of attracting tourist and improving the city’s economy. As the medical tourism market continues to improve in Dubai, it has attracted international patients from around the world and has become the number one top medical destination in the Arab region.
It also received the highest ranking in the region for its handling of the COVID -19 pandemic. Dubai Healthcare offers several healthcare treatments ranging from dental surgery, cardiac surgery, cosmetic surgeries, psychological treatment, and convalescent care amongst others. However, according to reports, orthopedics, dermatology, and ophthalmology are the most sought-after treatments.
While Dubai has seen rapid development in its medical tourism market and has become a famous medical destination for people in pursuit of cheaper/ more effective medical care, the medical tourism market remains quite competitive. Countries like India, Turkey, Malaysia, Brazil, and Singapore are known for their effective medical treatments which have been a major source of attraction to international travelers.
-# India is home to world-class medical professionals, with effective medical services. The country’s medical tourism market is ranked No.1 in the medical tourism sector by Medical Tourism Index. India’s healthcare offers medical treatments like spine treatments, Cardiac surgery, Gastroenterology, orthopedic treatments, oncology, fertility treatments, and complicated surgeries like Organ transportation.
-# Turkey is a popular medical tourism destination for travelers in need of eye care, cancer treatment, orthopedic, and heart care.
-# Malaysia is prominent for its high-end medical facilities and it offers oncology treatment, blood work, general surgery as well as in-vitro fertilization.
-# Singapore is a cost-effective medical tourism destination and it is known as one of the best medical tourism destinations in Asia. It is a great tourism destination for patients in need of general treatment like cardiology, cancer treatment, and oncology.
-# Singapore has International Patient Service Centers (IPSCs) which act as a medical travel agency to mediate between international patients and Singaporean healthcare providers.
-# Brazil is popular for its cheap and impressive cosmetic surgery. It has one of the most thriving medical tourism markets in the world.
-# Germany is widely known for its innovative technologies for surgeries. The country was ranked 12th by Medical Tourism Index. It offers healthcare services ranging from oncology, cardiac surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Hematology, and Oncology.
-# The United Kingdom is ranked fifth in the global ranking of medical tourism destinations by the world by Medical Tourism Index. The country is prominent for its state-of-the-art medical facilities.
-# The United Kingdom offers services like Oncology, Trauma treatment, Diabetes treatment, skincare treatments as well as fertility
-# Canada has been ranked as one of the most preferred destinations by the Medical Tourism Index. It is popular for its surgical procedures i.e. angioplasty, joint replacements, plastic surgery, and coronary angiography.
{{Why Dubai Should Be Your Preferred Medical Tourism Destination}}
{{1) Outstanding Infrastructure and Facilities}}
Dubai is a slick country that has continued to attract international visitors with its marvelous real estate from the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, to the spectacular beaches, glamorous hotels, splendid weather, and thriving food scene. As a country with outstanding infrastructural facilities with major tourist attractions, international travelers are wooed and this account for one of the reasons why Dubai has seen a major boost in its medical Tourism market. Today, Dubai is one of the most sought-after Medical Tourism destinations for its breathtaking setting and convenient geographic location.
{{2) Timely Access to Healthcare Services}}
Dubai has put in place an efficient healthcare system that enables international visitors to get fast and easy access to any medical treatment. This is one of the major attractions of Dubai as a medical tourism destination for international travelers who cannot tolerate the long wait lists in their home country. Due to a large number of qualified doctors and nurses in Dubai hospitals, the medical process which usually takes months in other countries is reduced to a day or two in the city.
{{3) Inexpensive Medical Cost}}
The major reason why Dubai is now regarded as one of the most sought-after medical tourism destinations is the high standard of healthcare with affordable costs. Due to the price regulations and laws put in place by Dubai Health Authority, healthcare institutions in Dubai are directed to maintain reasonable prices. While medical treatment cannot be said to be cheap, it can be gotten at a lower and more reasonable cost in comparison to places like the United States of America and the United Kingdom. This makes it the perfect destination for travelers who do not have insurance coverage for treatments like skin care, dental treatments, and orthopedics.
{{4) No Language Barrier}}
Dubai is arguably one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world with almost 200 different nationalities residing in the United Arab Emirates and 80% of the population being emigrants. With the diverse population, there is a host of medical professionals who are well versed in the language of their home country and this helps in erasing the language barrier amongst international travelers looking for medical treatment.
English is most widely used for communication in Dubai and most locals are bilingual, thus creating no communication problem. In situations where communication is a problem, international visitors can hire translators and interpreters who can assist them during their medical tourism.
{{5) State-of-the-art Art Medical Facilities}}
The lack of medical facilities is one of the major reasons people embark on medical tourism. International travelers who are unable to undergo treatments in their home country are irresistibly attracted to Dubai for its innovative facilities. The city has invested heavily in its healthcare system, including the procurement of high-end medical equipment.
Dubai offers world-class healthcare facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology like 3D printing technology for dental treatments and other reconstructive surgeries, wireless brain sensors, and CRISPR. The medical facilities are designed to ensure that medical procedures and recuperative needs are effectively carried out for patients. Dubai introduced the use of medical drones for transporting packets of blood to the hardly accessible villages of Rwanda in 2016.
{{6) Qualified Medical Professionals}}
Dubai’s healthcare system is home to well-trained and qualified medical experts who acquired training from the top universities around the world. The medical experts have immense knowledge in their respective fields which complements the healthcare facilities put in place.
In Dubai, a medical body oversees and ensures that only highly-trained medical practitioners are licensed to practice medicine. The medical staff display professionalism and are very efficient in carrying out their respective duties. Moreover, they are available 24 hours a day for providing quick and effective medical attention to patients.
{{7) Introduction of the Medical Tourism Portal}}
Government initiatives are inarguably one of the driving factors for the development of Medical Tourism in Dubai. Dubai Health Experience (DXH) portal was launched by the government back in the year 2016, to provide tourists with the best medical tourism services. Through the portal, international travelers can receive information on accredited healthcare providers, book medical appointments, receive medical insurance, accommodation reservation, get information regarding visas, and book transportation amongst other services.
The purpose of this peer-learning exchange and study tour is to share knowledge and best practices between Rwanda and Benin digital and entrepreneurial ecosystems. It also aims to build participants’ capacity and knowledge in entrepreneurship through a 2-day workshop and ultimately increase the performance of digital entrepreneurs.
The 35 delegates from Benin represent government officials involved in defining the environment of the digital economy in Benin, management unit and partners of the project, support structures for innovative entrepreneurship (SAEI) and Beninese startups and their counterparts from Rwanda (30) will take part.
This rather important event occurs at a time when the growing digital economy in Africa is opening up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and enabling creation of new business models, innovations and value in data-driven industries.
“Africa’s digital economy is making significant strides and digital entrepreneurship is taking shape. Building capacity for African entrepreneurs and sharing lessons between member states is a crucial step towards taking advantage of the immense opportunities this new type of the economy presents,” pointed out Mr. Lacina Koné DG/CEO of Smart Africa, commenting on this initiative.
“This mission to learn about best practices in the Rwandan innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem, which will end on 13 December 2022, includes a training session provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and a study trip during which the Beninese visitors will discover the Rwandan innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
It will allow Beninese innovative entrepreneurship support structures to strengthen their knowledge and skills around the support profession and to create a framework for meeting and exchanging with their Rwandan counterparts,” said Emmanuelle BOUITI, coordinator of the DigiBoost project implemented by Enabel in Benin.
{{About Smart Africa}}
Smart Africa is an alliance of 35 African countries, international organisations and global private sector players tasked with Africa’s digital agenda.
The alliance is empowered by a bold and innovative commitment by African Heads of State to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs.
With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, the Smart Africa Alliance brings together Heads of State who seek to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market.
Launched in 2013 by seven (7) African Heads of State, the Alliance now has 35 member countries, representing over 1.1 billion people and over 40 Private Sector members committed to the vision and the advancement of Africa.
This was revealed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza on Thursday this week as the Gerayo Amahoro campaign resumed heighten sensitization among motorists on road safety.
“Bribes to traffic police officers is offered by drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists […] normally individuals who offer or receive bribes receive similar punishments as per legal provisions,” she said.
DIGP Ujeneza said that RNP has a disciplinary committee that carries out investigations on alleged corruption cases and impose punishments.
“Any police officer caught in corruption case in seriously punished and dismissed. […] This year, we are set to sack many police officers. Some of them have been suspended awaiting government’s decision to definitively kick them out. They are about 500,” she noted.
DIGP Ujeneza disclosed that the majority of these 500 police officers were involved in bribery cases and drunkenness.
The recent report released by Transparency International Rwanda indicated that the Department of Traffic and Road Safety among most corrupt institutions.
She requested the general public not to perceive the National Police as an institution mired by corruption because there are others with good conduct.
DIGP Ujeneza highlighted the institution will continue to punish those breaking laws and recognize others with good conducts.
Rwanda’s Parliament has via Twitter handle revealed Dr. Iyaruremye that resigned over sickness related reasons.
“Earlier today, Senate President Dr Augustin Iyamuremye submitted his resignation as the President of the Senate, and as a Senator, due to health reasons. Tomorrow, December 9th, a special plenary sitting will convene to declare the Office of the President of the Senate vacant,” reads the tweet.
His resignation letter dated 8th December 2022 was addressed to senators, other government officials and President of the Republic.
He expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic for the trust bestowed upon him and senators for having elected and supported him to fulfill his ‘demanding duties’.
Dr. Iyamuremye assumed office as Senate president in October 2019 following his appointment by President Paul Kagame.
Prior to the appointment, he served as the Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum since 2015.
Dr. Iyamuremye holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine.
He held various positions in different public institutions including the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour from 2012 to 2015 and senator between 2004 and 2011.
Dr. Iyamuremye also headed the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2000, the Ministry of Information from 1998 to 1999 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources between 1994 and 1998.
Among others, he served as senior intelligence officer in the Office of Prime Minister from 1992 to 1994.
Dr. Iyamuremye headed Gitarama Prefecture from 1990 to 1992, served as the Director of Nyanza Milk Processing Plant from 1984 to 1990.
He was also a lecturer and researcher at the National University of Rwanda from 1977 to 1984.
After the transitional period (1994-2003), the first legislature of the Senate commenced in 2003 and ended in 2011. The Second Senate concluded its mandate on October 10, 2019 bringing eight-year tenure to an end.
The Senate of Rwanda has 26 members. Twelve senators are elected by the specific councils in accordance with the administrative entities in the City of Kigali and the four provinces.
Of these, one is picked from the City of Kigali, two from Northern Province, while the rest of the three provinces (West, East, and South) elect three senators each. Eight senators are appointed by the President of the Republic. Four senators are designated by the Forum of Political organizations.
One senator is elected among lecturers and researchers of Public Universities and higher learning institutions. Both the elected and appointed senators serve a term, renewable once.
The all-out continuous campaign seeks to drive change from road safety by law to road safety by choice and ultimately by culture.
It was stopped prematurely in 2020 after 39 weeks, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resumption of the campaign in different parts of the country was presided over by the RNP leadership, provincial Governors and district mayors, among others.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, while addressing hundreds of taxi-moto operators and cyclists at Kigali stadium, said that despite the reduction in road accidents, many lives continue to be lost at the hands of reckless road users.
“Although accidents reduced this year compared to last year, many people still die on roads. Since the beginning of this year, 9,468 accidents occurred across the country resulting into 617 fatalities.
The majority 183 fatalities involved or were caused by cyclists while other 150 involved taxi-moto operators,” IGP Munyuza said.
The decrease in accidents, he said, was due to the installation of speed enforcement cameras, awareness campaigns as well as enforcement to penalize violators.
“People killed on roads are parents and even young people, whose lives are cut short by drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists who use the road recklessly. This is a serious concern that should be given attention by everyone using the road,” he added.
The Police Chief said that although the force emphasizes road safety education, errant violators will be penalized and consequently their driver’s license revoked, accordingly, to make roads safe for all.
He further warned against drink-driving, one of the major causes of road fatalities.
“No one is stopping you from drinking, but when you do, don’t drive or ride. Your life and that of other road users is invaluable. Do not be penalized for violating traffic rules and regulations, and putting your lives on the edge. Use the road responsibly, make safety a priority,” IGP Munyuza told Motorcyclists and cyclists.
Today, he said, it’s easy for the Police to identify someone, who is driving while drunk using a breathalyzer, but added that the force will soon introduce another device that can detect a person, who is driving under the influence of drugs.
IGP Munyuza also embarked on improvements within the traffic as well as licensing departments, including the decentralization of driving test services, online registration and booking for driving test and mechanical inspection, which is part of the government agenda to take services closer to the people and service delivery.
He added that driving test services will ultimately be extended to the district level as well as activating the automatic notification for those whose mechanical inspection certificate is about to expire.
Dubbed the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), the trade fair runs from 5th to 8 December 2022.
Kageruka who delivered remarks virtually on the second day of the exhibition, invited them to visit national parks and other nature reserves. She also took them through Rwanda’s efforts to up-skill employees of the hospitality to enrich visitors’ experience and make their stay a memorable.
Rwandan companies also participated in the trade fair in which they were given floor to bring on board services offered to tourists with a view to encourage representatives of international companies to send tourists to Rwanda.
It also served as platform to create new connections paving the way for future collaboration.
Speaking to IGIHE, Kageruka said that they held a meeting with tour companies from different countries working closely with Rwandan companies.
As she said, many of them needed updates on the country’s efforts to promote high-end tourism.
Kageruka underscored that it was an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s tourism offerings and how the country can help their tourists planning visits to Rwanda.
Participants from Rwanda who attended the trade fair include Manzi Kayihura, the Managing Director of Thousand Hills Africa; Roberto Viviani, Business Manager at Wilderness Safari; Simon Bruce Miller from Uberluxe Safaris and Reginal Hakizimana, Managing Director of Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris.
Others include Denis Lefebvre representing Palace Tours, Françoise Ihirwe Tunga from Volcanoes Safari; Danny Nizeye Business Development Manager at Akagera Aviation and Robert Gakimbiri, Customer Services Manager at Primate Safaris.
The figures were disclosed in Paris, the capital of France on 5th December 2022 at the launch of a business forum aimed at promoting Rwanda as an investment destination.
The forum which ran from 5th to 6th December 2022, was organized by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through its investment promotion division in collaboration with Rwanda’s embassy in France and the country’s Private Sector Federation (MEDEF).
The forum was an opportunity for Rwanda to interact with French companies and other members of the private sector based in France.
France is among European countries with growing investments in Africa, particularly in Rwanda after the normalization of ties between the two countries.
RDB indicated that Rwanda registered French investments worth US$197,503 164 (over Rwf200 billion) between 2011 and 2021.
Some of these investments were registered in the areas of real estate, technology and telecommunication, tourism and the financial sector among others.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura has told IGIHE that the forum is expected to increase the number of French investors in Rwanda.
“It will create job opportunities for Rwandans and lure French companies to invest in Rwanda. French investors spoke highly of Rwanda and took colleagues through Rwanda’s conducive business environment. Besides, they will serve as good ambassadors helping us to attract more investors in Rwanda,” he said.
Amb. Nkulikiyimfura further disclosed that these investors were taken through investment opportunities in various sectors in Rwanda including infrastructure.
French investors have been considering Rwanda as a potential investment destination owing to cordial relations between the two countries strengthened by the visit of French President, Emmanuel Macron to Kigali in May 2021.
It was the first visit of a French President to Rwanda over the past ten years. The visit left various agreements signed between both countries.
Stéphane Lelux, the CEO of TACTIS Innopolis, a tech company which has a subsidiary in Rwanda, said that the forum that brought together French and Rwandan investors is of critical significance, given that it was held 18 months after the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Rwanda.
As he said, eliminating double taxation to facilitate traders from Rwanda and France would be much welcomed and expressed optimism that it will be considered in the near future.
Rwanda has been registering French investments including ‘Girinzu’, a real estate project aimed at building affordable homes in Gahanga Sector of Kicukiro District.
The latter is a French investment by Chevrillon Group and Stéphane Monceaux in association with Rwandan Jacqueline Wibabara.
Girinzu seeks to build at least 200 housing units every year to bridge affordable housing gap in Kigali.
Among others, Duval Great Lakes Ltd, a subsidiary of French company dubbed Groupe Duval is developing a multibillion environmental-friendly complex known as ‘Inzovu mall’ at premises that used to house the Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court in Kimihurura, near Kigali Convention Centre.
The complex mall will be home to ‘Odalys City Business Apart Hotel’ with 140 service apartment rooms, conference rooms, offices, entertainment and exhibition areas.
It will also have Cinema rooms, markets, shops, bars and restaurants, Forex Bureaus, natural areas, children areas, playgrounds, pharmacies, clinics and others.
Once completed, the mall will be a complementary project besides Kigali Convention Centre.
Trainees included the administration staff, researchers, technicians, cooks, security guards and cleaners, among others.
They were given an insight on the causes, classes and components of fire.
Fire prevention measures and fire protection at the campus and in their homes, was also part of the training.
Practical sessions also focused on how to fight fire using different types of fire extinguishers and fire blanket.
This is part of the ongoing fire safety awareness across the country to prevent fire emergencies largely caused by human behaviors.
