Rising demand drives TCM service expansion in Rwanda

Traditional Chinese medicine is gaining a firm foothold in Rwanda's healthcare system with government support, increasing referrals from local physicians and rising patient demand accelerating its integration into mainstream medical care.

As more patients seek relief from chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders that are often difficult to treat through conventional approaches, the Rwandan government has backed the expansion of acupuncture and other TCM therapies beyond the capital, Kigali.

The move has led to the opening of a second TCM center at Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital in eastern Rwanda last week, expanding access to specialized care.

The expansion follows the success of Rwanda's first TCM center, established at Masaka Hospital on the outskirts of Kigali in 2023.

Between Jan 1 and June 30 this year, the 26th Chinese medical team to Rwanda, which set up the new TCM center, provided more than 13,000 TCM consultations at its centers in Masaka and Kibungo.

The decision to establish a TCM center in Kibungo was driven by the Rwandan government's push to expand TCM services to rural provinces.

Located about 110 kilometers southeast of Kigali, Kibungo serves as a regional referral hub for a largely rural population, many of whom previously traveled several hours to Kigali for specialized treatment.

"The new center allows residents of the eastern province to access affordable treatment closer to home," Zhang Shengmao, leader of the Chinese medical team working at Masaka and Kibungo hospitals, said.

The new center reflects Rwanda's broader efforts to improve equitable access to healthcare while diversifying treatment options for noncommunicable diseases and chronic conditions, which are becoming increasingly common as the country's population grows and ages.

"Many local residents suffer from chronic pain, muscle soreness and bone and joint disorders," Zhang said, adding that most patients are farmers affected by years of physically demanding work.

He noted it as encouraging that many local general practitioners now actively refer patients with chronic pain to the TCM centers.

"Initially, many Rwandans knew little about TCM and were skeptical. After seeing the treatment results, public confidence has grown significantly," Zhang stated.

He said patients now travel from across Rwanda for acupuncture treatment, with more local hospitals expressing interest in opening their own TCM clinics.

To support the expansion of TCM services, the Chinese medical team is providing lectures and bedside training for local doctors and nurses in acupuncture techniques and clinical skills.

Chinese medical teams have been serving in Rwanda since 1982, contributing to clinical services, surgical care, disease prevention and capacity building.

victor@chinadailyafrica.com