In a significant move to improve healthcare access, the Rwandan government has announced plans to expand the Mutuelle de Santé insurance scheme to cover kidney transplants, heart surgeries, and cancer treatments starting in July. 

The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on patients suffering from chronic and life-threatening diseases.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, confirmed the development while addressing lawmakers on March 6. He emphasized that the government is committed to making essential medical treatments more affordable, particularly for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are on the rise in Rwanda.

“We are studying a new model with a few institutions that are already implementing it. Currently, we have a median cohort of 150 patients, but we want to push the cost further down to Rwf45,000 and even lower. It’s possible,” Dr. Butera said.

Currently, many kidney patients in Rwanda struggle with the high cost of dialysis, which can reach nearly Rwf1 million per month for those requiring frequent sessions. While the government had previously reduced the price of dialysis from Rwf160,000 to Rwf75,000 per session in 2023, further reductions are being pursued. 

The Ministry of Health is working on a new procurement model that could lower the cost to Rwf45,000 per session or even less before the end of the year.

Dr. Butera explained that pooled procurement where essential medical equipment and supplies are acquired in bulk will help drive down costs, making treatment more accessible.

“We have more machines. It’s what we call pooled procurement, where you get most of what you need ahead of time and then pay a lesser price,” he explained. 

Kidney transplants, though limited in Rwanda, are also expected to become more feasible under the expanded insurance coverage. Since the launch of the country’s first domestic kidney transplant program in 2023, 44 patients have successfully received transplants. However, many still seek treatment abroad due to limited capacity within local hospitals. The government’s efforts to expand services will reduce dependence on medical referrals outside the country.

Chronic kidney disease is a growing concern worldwide, with an estimated 850 million people affected. The high cost of dialysis and transplants makes treatment inaccessible for many, particularly in low-income communities. 

Rwanda’s decision to incorporate kidney transplants into Mutuelle de Santé aligns with global efforts to improve healthcare equity and affordability.