The King Baudouin Foundation Belgium Delegation composed of Hervé Lisoir (International Program Coordinator) and Stefan Schäfers (Director) accompanied by Déo Niyonkuru visited The Village Microclinic this Saturday, October 7, 2023 at its headquarters located in Gishingano. Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana, Founder and CEO of The Village Microclinic presented to them the condition of the premises of the first pavilion and the health services offered to the neighboring community.
Dr. Tharcisse in his office talking to his guests
Talking about the idea of creating The Village Microclinic, Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana indicates that where he lives is down the steep slope from where they built the first pavilion. While he was still a medical student, alongside with his mates, they provided health services via community outreaches. When he completed his studies and worked as a medical doctor, he was called upon by traditional birth attendants for last aid after having tried everything without success. But also, children who had caught a fever were taken to his house.
The guests Hervé Lisoir (International Program Coordinator) in the middle, Stefan Schäfers (Director) accompanied by and Déo Niyonkuru
Dr. Tharcisse had nothing to do but evacuate them to nearby hospitals using his car. “At that time there was no health center nearby. And sometimes, when I returned home, I could find a second pregnant woman at home. I was forced to go back and forth to the hospital while I was also working full time as a medical doctor to another care facility. This is how I thought of creating The Village Microclinic to provide medical services close to the community, especially women and children.”
Hervé Lisoir greeting the staff members of The Village Microclinic
Dr. Tharcisse informed his visitors that some members of his organization have completed the specialization namely a gynecologist, a pediatrician and a cardiologist. “They are currently engaged in public health structures but come from time to time to support the work of The Village Microclinic. If there are referrals, they refer them to healthcare structures. People who are referred to public hospitals, we have contacts who are there and before referring, we’re sure that there is someone who will receive them.»
Dr. Tharcisse Nshimirimana interacting with Hervé Lisoir about the hospital medical waste incinerator
As for hospitalization, Dr. Tharcisse indicates that The Village Microclinic will hospitalize in gyneco-obstetrics and pediatrics but that they do not yet have enough beds for hospitalizations. For the moment, Dr. Tharcisse indicates that they are waiting for a final visit from the Ministry in charge of Health when all the equipment will be ready to grant them final agreement to finally work according to medical ethics. “For the buildings, they appreciated it positively »,he assures.
