Bibanga Presbyterian Hospital

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, 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, under the direction of Dr. Ntumba Kalomba, has 73 beds, serving a population of over 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 twelve community health centers. The Community Health Program offers comprehensive services, including education for village health; maternal, infant care and family planning, healthy water and sanitation activities, 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 over 80 years old, are badly deteriorated. Essential equipment is inoperable and many beds are broken or without mattresses. The hospital needs major repairs, updated equipment, and adequate housing for staff and students.