On Saturday, October 7, President Paul Kagame inaugurated IRCAD Africa, a cutting-edge research and training facility, marking an important turning point in Rwanda’s medical scene. In order to enhance healthcare on the continent, this state-of-the-art facility is committed to training Africa’s future medical experts in the field of minimally invasive surgery.

The facility, which cost more than $32 million, has state-of-the-art simulation technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality platforms, that lets surgeons hone their abilities in a secure setting. It contains a fully functional operating wet lab with cutting-edge surgical tools, allowing for hands-on instruction in actual surgical circumstances.

The institution is a partner in a global research and teaching institute noted for its proficiency in laparoscopic surgery, IRCAD France.

Accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame and Prof. Jacques Marescaux, the founder of IRCAD France, the president reportedly declared that the center, which is situated in Rwanda’s developing “health city” in Masaka, would enhance and elevate African talent.

“It has benefited Rwandans probably in a way you will never realize. Marescaux and others who work with you at IRCAD International and those who join you because they understand the cause and the vision you have, but more so the vision to use the tools to advance knowledge, and technology and bring it to places where it is not expected,” Kagame said.

The President said that debates about the world frequently overlook Africa and expressed his gratitude to Marescaux for accepting the risk connected with the continent, which has proven to be highly profitable. The French surgeon was assured by Kagame that his decision to use Rwanda as his entry point into Africa would not be in vain.

“Even at a personal level, you will feel that what you invested in has had a huge effect in changing many people’s lives through improved access to health,” he said. According to the President, performing minimally invasive surgery in Africa will significantly alter lives.

IRCAD Africa intends to train 500–1000 doctors annually in minimally invasive surgery, a cutting-edge medical technique that lessens patient discomfort and trauma, resulting in shorter hospital stays, a lower risk of bleeding and infection, and a quicker recovery.

The next generation of surgeons in a variety of specialties, including general surgery, urology, gynecology, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesia, and orthopedics, will receive training and skills from IRCAD Africa, which uses artificial intelligence in research and training. 

All African doctors and computer scientists will benefit from the center, according to Marescaux. “The most important thing I have to confess is that this project was only made possible thanks to the vision of our President,” said Marescaux. He further noted that “If it can be said that the most illustrious French politician of the 20th century was undoubtedly Charles De Gaulle, it cannot be seriously disputed that Paul Kagame is the most illustrious African Head of State,” said Marescaux, as he calls Kagame “a providential man.”

The 100-hectare Kigali Health City, which will also house Rwanda’s largest hospital, CHUK, a heart treatment center, medical schools, pharmaceutical centers, and contemporary laboratories, welcomes IRCAD Africa as the fifth IRCAD center in the world and the first fully functional medical facility.

A number of African nations are in contact with IRCAD Africa and the Rwandan government to send their personnel for training at the facility.