Rilima Orthopedic Specialized Hospital has been providing specialized orthopedic and rehabilitation services since 1999. This hospital was named RILIMA ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, Sainte Marie (ROSH, Ste Marie) replacing the former Centre de Chirurgie Orthopédique Pédiatrique et de Réhabilitation, Sainte Marie de Rilima (CCO Rilima). It belongs to the Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Kigali. It is located in Amizero Village, Kimaranzara Cell, Rilima Sector, Bugesera District, Eastern Province, at 50 km from the City of Kigali.
The hospital buildings were first used in 1988 as an orphanage, at the initiative of the Church authorities with the help of the Italian charity “Association pour l’Aide et l’Assistance aux Handicapés et Orphelins du Rwanda”.
It was only in 1993 that simple orthopedic treatment for children with disabilities began. However, during the Genocide against the Tutsis in 1994, some buildings were damaged and medical activities stopped. In 1999, the Archdiocese of Kigali in collaboration with the Italian charity “AUGERE ONLUS” repaired the buildings, which started to be used as a pediatric orthopedic and rehabilitation center. In 2004, the Hospital started to work with another Italian charity called “Fondation Don Carlo Gnocchi”.
In 2005, the Ministry of Health recognized the Hospital as a specialized Center in pediatric orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.
In 2012, the Hospital was recognized by the MoH as a Center of Excellence that could be deemed to be a reference center in pediatric orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.
Since 2013, the management of the Hospital was entrusted to a team of Rwandans replacing the Italians. In 2018, the Italian charities to leave the Hospital and remain only its partners. In the same year, in order to increase its capacity, the Hospital started treating adults.
In 2020, the agreement between the Archdiocese of Kigali and the Government of Rwanda was renewed, and then the MoH Structure for the Hospital was published for the first time. And, at the end of November 2022, the Hospital started partnering with RSSB/CBHI.
