Bibanga Presbyterian Hospital
Bibanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bibanga Presbyterian Hospital serves a vast rural area. Photo by Caryl Weinberg
Bibanga Presbyterian Hospital serves a population of 85,000 people in the rural East Kasai area of DRC. Its service to the region dates back to 1917, when a Presbyterian minister and surgeon, the Rev. Dr. Eugene Kellersburger, began receiving and treating patients under a large tree. A brick structure was built and the facilities expanded in 1923-24 to include an operating room and eventually a primary and secondary school and a nursing education program. Today the hospital has 73 beds, serving a population of more than 300,000. It is the most preferred hospital in the region for surgical procedures and treatment of broken bones.
Bibanga is a general referral hospital for the Bibanga Rural Health Zone, which includes 12 community health centers. The Community Health Program offers comprehensive services, including education for village health, maternal, infant care and family planning, water and sanitation, prevention of local endemic diseases and promotion of nutrition.
The Nursing School at Bibanga was established in 1982 and is a four- year course that graduates about 20 students in each class. The Christian Medical Technology School continues to train students and place all of them in the D. R. Congo.
Years of neglect, violent political turmoil and economic crisis have taken their toll on the Bibanga mission station. Most of the buildings, now more than 80 years old, are badly deteriorated. Essential equipment is inoperable and many beds are broken. The hospital needs major repairs, updated equipment and adequate housing for staff and students.
Bibanga Hospital is part of the health ministry of our partner, the Presbyterian Community of Congo. PC(USA) Extra Commitment Opportunity Account #051711 provides assistance.