About Panzi Hospital
High-Quality Care in Eastern DRC
Panzi Hospital is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to all who seek our services. Established in 1999 by Dr. Denis Mukwege, Panzi has grown into a state-of-the-art medical center that serves as an essential referral hospital within the national public health system. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, we ensure accessible and effective care for women, men, and children—from routine check-ups to complex surgical procedures. Internationally recognized for our pioneering work with survivors of sexual violence, Panzi Hospital also provides a wide range of general and specialized medical services, offering hope and healing to thousands across South Kivu and beyond.
At the heart of Panzi Hospital’s operations are cutting-edge facilities that support comprehensive and specialized care:
Operating Ward: African Minimally Invasive Surgery Institute
The first center for laparoscopic surgery in the DRC, featuring five dedicated surgical suites for prolapse repair, gastrointestinal, maternal, neurological, and general surgery. Equipped with advanced technology, including solar power, an oxygen production unit, and video conferencing for remote surgical consultations and training.
Advanced Laboratory Services
Our fully equipped laboratory provides critical diagnostics, including infectious disease testing, blood analysis, and microbiological cultures. In partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), our Mini-Lab enhances bacteriology services, improving treatment precision and combatting antimicrobial resistance.
Emergency and Maternity Care
Our 24/7 Emergency Room, supported by a fleet of ambulances, ensures rapid response and transport for critical cases. The newly built Maternity Ward and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) offer specialized care for expectant mothers and premature newborns, ensuring safe deliveries and comprehensive maternal health services.
Expanding Access to Specialized Care
Panzi Hospital continues to push boundaries to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community:
IVF Clinic (Coming Soon)
The first of its kind in the region, offering fertility solutions and hope to families struggling with infertility.
Sustainable Healthcare Infrastructure
Our hospital runs on reliable solar energy, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, and features an on-site oxygen production unit—the only one of its kind in the region.
Comprehensive Referral System
As a designated referral hospital, we receive complex cases from across the region, providing specialized treatment and holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and socioeconomic needs of our patients.
I wanted to study so that I could help other Congolese women facing the same problems as me, and give them the same grace that I received.
A Center of Excellence and Future Growth
Panzi Hospital serves as the tertiary referral hospital for the Ibanda Health Zone, which is part of the national health system under the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Ibanda Health Zone covers a population of approximately 496,020 residents, and like other health zones in the country, it functions as the frontline of healthcare delivery, consisting of a network of primary health centers that refer complex cases to the referral hospital.
As the designated referral hospital, Panzi plays a critical role in providing specialized medical services that go beyond the capabilities of primary and secondary healthcare facilities in the zone. The chief medical officer of the Ibanda Health Zone is based at Panzi, overseeing the design and analysis of healthcare interventions across the region. This ensures that Panzi Hospital contributes not only through direct patient care but also by supporting the overall healthcare system through strategic planning and implementation of public health programs.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health
Panzi Hospital is committed to capacity-building initiatives, such as training healthcare professionals, improving service delivery, and expanding access to high-quality care throughout South Kivu. To further support the region’s growing healthcare needs, Panzi is expanding its services with:
- An Expanded Surgical Department: Increasing capacity to manage complex cases referred from across the region.
- Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Programs: Providing more comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care services.
As a recognized center of excellence, Panzi Hospital remains dedicated to strengthening the healthcare system and delivering compassionate, sustainable medical care to the people of South Kivu and beyond.
Expanding the Reach of Holistic Care
At Panzi Hospital, we are committed to delivering world-class care to survivors of sexual violence, mothers, and children—while maintaining a broader mission to serve all in need. Through our holistic approach, we aim to heal not just the body but the mind and spirit, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.