By; Alphonse Uhagaze
Persons with disabilities in Rwanda are welcoming a recent government decision to allow the purchase of prosthetics and joint replacements through the national health insurance fund, a move they say will help address long-standing barriers to medical care and mobility.
The announcement was praised during the 15th General Assembly of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, held in Gasabo District. Although some delegates expressed concerns over limited budget allocations, they said the policy marks a significant step toward greater inclusion and equality.
“This support will help many of our friends who have struggled to access these expensive devices,” said Emmanuel Ndayisaba, Executive Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities. “I am confident that our partners will continue to support efforts to make prosthetics more accessible.”
Participants at the assembly also thanked the Rwandan government, particularly President Paul Kagame, for recognizing the challenges persons with disabilities face. Umutoni, a delegate from Musanze District, noted that mobility has been a key barrier.
“First of all, we thank the President for thinking of us,” she said. “Many of us have been unable to receive care, but now we have hope through this initiative.”
While applauding the expansion of health coverage, attendees also raised concerns about ongoing obstacles, including taxes applied equally to disabled entrepreneurs despite the challenges they face in operating businesses.
Despite limited resources, the council says it remains committed to achieving self-sufficiency and ensuring that people with disabilities can meet their basic needs with dignity.
