Rwanda Strengthens Health Sector with 200 Oxygen Cylinders Donation

In a significant boost to Rwanda’s healthcare capacity, the Ministry of Health has received a donation of 200 oxygen cylinders from AWB Technology Ltd. The donation, valued at RWF 60 million, is intended to support the treatment of critically ill patients in 21 hospitals across the country.

The handover event took place at Acacia Renal Care Hospital in Kicukiro District, where Dr. Jean Baptiste Ntihumbya, Head of Health Quality Services Standards and Regulation at the Ministry of Health, received the donation on behalf of the ministry.

Emmanuel KARANGWA, Operations Manager at AWB Technology Ltd., emphasized the company’s commitment to social responsibility and the importance of giving back to the community.

“Today, we are happy to expand this donation to the Ministry of Health,” Karangwa said. “We are donating 200 oxygen cylinders, equivalent to the value of RWF 60 million, as our contribution to social responsibility. We are responding to some needs from different hospitals.”

KARANGWA noted that the donation is part of AWB Technology’s broader mission to support the health sector in Rwanda. “Our business is in the medical supply chain. We provide medical oxygen, related tools such as oxygen cylinders, and dialysis equipment. We are currently in partnership with King Faisal Hospital, CHUB, and also operate our own center, Acacia Renal Care,” he explained.

The company currently provides dialysis services to about 25 patients in rotation each week. According to Karangwa, the initiative to donate oxygen cylinders was inspired by the company’s close relationship with public health institutions, particularly the Ministry of Health.

“This initiative came from our Board of Directors as a way to give back. Today, we started with Nyabikenke Hospital, which received 10 oxygen cylinders. In the coming days, other hospitals will also collect their allocated supply,” Karangwa said. “As a partner of the Ministry of Health, we will continue supporting based on our capacity. This is what I call reciprocity—if we gain something, we must not forget the community that supports us.”

KARANGWA also highlighted that AWB Technology has been instrumental in setting up 11 oxygen plants in public hospitals across the country since 2020. “Our business generates income, and our leaders are committed to reinvesting part of that back into the community, especially to benefit those who need our services most,” he added.

Dr. Rodrigue IGIRIMPUHWE, a general practitioner at Acacia Renal Care, explained the critical importance of oxygen in medical treatment, especially for patients undergoing dialysis.

“Oxygen is essential for life. It plays a major role in energy production and tissue oxygenation,” Dr. IGIRIMPUHWE said.

He added, “Vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys require a constant oxygen supply. During surgical operations, resuscitations, and in treating patients with fluid overload—especially those on dialysis—oxygen is life-saving.”

He emphasized that oxygen cylinders are costly but indispensable in managing critical care. “By providing these cylinders to district hospitals, we are enhancing their capacity to treat patients effectively, especially during emergencies. This donation will make a real difference,” he said.

The donation comes at a time when Rwanda continues to strengthen its health infrastructure to meet the growing demands of its population. With the additional oxygen cylinders, hospitals across the country will be better equipped to manage emergencies and improve patient outcomes.