Rwanda: 10 Key Things to Know About Rwanda's New Health Services Bill

Parliament is reviewing a new healthcare services bill. This bill aims to update Rwanda's health legislation, which was last revised in 1998. The proposed law includes changes to improve access, patient rights, and the regulation of medical practices.

The New Times highlights ten key points from the bill that could significantly impact Rwanda's medical sector.

1. Adolescents Gain Access to Reproductive Services
The bill allows adolescents aged 15 and older to make decisions about reproductive health services. Currently, they can access care but cannot make certain choices until they turn 18. This change gives teenagers autonomy over services like contraception without needing parental consent.

2. Streamlining the Legal Framework
Rwanda's healthcare laws are currently scattered across various regulations. The new bill aims to simplify this by consolidating key laws related to reproductive health and medical liability. This will help healthcare providers follow rules and allow patients to understand their rights better.

3. Regulation of Reproductive Technologies
If passed, the law will regulate Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like IVF and surrogacy. These services will be allowed under strict guidelines. Only couples with fertility issues can receive donated embryos or use surrogates. A committee appointed by the Ministry of Health will monitor ART practices for ethical compliance.

4. Patient Consent and Right to Refuse Treatment
The bill reinforces that patients have the right to accept or refuse treatment at any time. Healthcare providers must respect these choices. In emergencies, a panel of three doctors can approve treatment without consent if necessary for saving lives.

5. Medical Privacy and Informed Consent
The new bill strengthens patient privacy by limiting when medical information can be disclosed. Disclosure is only allowed with patient consent, during public health emergencies, or through legal orders. Providers must give clear written information before any procedure.

6. Digital Health
The law promotes digital health services like electronic records and integrated systems. These tools aim to improve communication among providers and reduce errors in healthcare delivery.

7. Maternal and Newborn Safety
To enhance safety in maternity wards, newborns must receive unique IDs linked to their mother's record. If a woman dies after 22 weeks of pregnancy, doctors must attempt delivery within six hours if there's a chance to save the fetus.

8. Ensuring Equality in Reproductive Health
The proposed law seeks equal access to reproductive health services for everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. It bans discrimination while requiring counseling, confidentiality, and accurate treatment records from providers.

9. Handling the Deceased
Hospitals must follow stricter procedures for managing deceased bodies under the proposed law. Key details such as name, age, cause of death, and certifying doctor must be recorded properly.

10. Guidelines for Releasing Bodies to Families
The bill sets rules for transferring deceased bodies from mortuaries to families safely. A healthcare professional must verify identity using records before release; families need to inspect the body first.
For unclaimed bodies, facilities may proceed with burial after a 21-day public notice period.