Rwanda Plans School-Based Health Clinics, Expands Nursing Education

Speaking to the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender, and Family Affairs, Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized the importance of providing on-site medical support for students. “We want schools to have basic clinics.

In some cases, there are facilities, but no trained personnel. Children can get injured while playing or contract contagious or mental health-related illnesses. Certain services are essential to have in schools,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the need for small clinics in crowded public spaces such as bus stations and markets, to provide care for injuries or other health issues that may arise.

Dr. Nsanzimana further outlined the government’s plan to increase the number of high school-trained nurses to over 3,000 by 2029. These graduates are expected to strengthen the health sector and improve service delivery across hospitals and clinics. “The nursing program in secondary schools will help increase the workforce where nurses are highly needed,” he said.

The ministry has been implementing a program to quadruple the number of healthcare workers in Rwanda, which has already shown results across various health sectors. Since the reintroduction of secondary school-level nursing programs, many institutions have requested approval to offer the courses.

By 2028, the government aims to have 3,000 high school-trained nurses. “We chose to teach nursing at secondary school because nurses are in high demand. They are essential in health centers and schools, especially if schools are to have basic clinics,” Dr. Nsanzimana explained.

He added that increasing the number of trained nurses will ensure that health facilities and schools have sufficient staff to meet growing demand, particularly in rural and underserved areas.