Traditional Chinese medicine is gaining a firm foothold in Rwanda's healthcare system with government support, increasing referrals from local physicians and rising patient demand accelerating its integration into mainstream medical care.
As more patients seek relief from chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders that are often difficult to treat through conventional approaches, the Rwandan government has backed the expansion of acupuncture and other TCM therapies beyond the capital, Kigali.
The move has led to the opening of a second TCM center at Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital in eastern Rwanda last week, expanding access to specialized care.
The expansion follows the success of Rwanda's first TCM center, established at Masaka Hospital on the outskirts of Kigali in 2023.
Between Jan 1 and June 30 this year, the 26th Chinese medical team to Rwanda, which set up the new TCM center, provided more than 13,000 TCM consultations at its centers in Masaka and Kibungo.
