Medical emergency? Call 912 (SAMU ambulance, free) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or more, a child who is very drowsy or struggling to breathe, or a rash that does not fade under a glass needs urgent care now. Kigali Clinics is a booking service, not a clinic, and does not give medical advice.
Looking for a children's doctor in Kigali? When your child is unwell, you want a clear answer and a doctor who is good with children. Kigali Clinics helps parents find and book a licensed private clinic with a paediatrician or a GP who sees children. Tell us your child's age, what is wrong, and where in Kigali suits you, and we come back to you with options.
We do not give medical advice. If you are worried that your child is seriously ill, do not wait for an appointment: call 912 or go to an emergency department.
Reasons parents book a children's doctor
- Fever that is not settling, or a fever with other symptoms.
- Coughs, colds and breathing noises, including wheezing.
- Ear pain, sore throat or swollen glands.
- Diarrhoea and vomiting, especially if your child is drinking less.
- Rashes and skin problems such as eczema.
- Growth, feeding and development questions.
- Long-term conditions such as asthma or allergies.
- Check-ups before school or travel, and questions about vaccinations.
For skin problems that keep coming back, a dermatologist may also help. For teeth, book a dentist, and for eyes, an eye clinic.
Fever in children: when to act
Fever is very common and often caused by a minor infection. NHS guidance gives clear thresholds. A high temperature is 38°C or more. Get urgent medical advice if your child:
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher | Urgent care now |
| 3 to 6 months old with a temperature of 39°C or higher | Urgent care now |
| Fever for 5 days or more | See a doctor |
| Fever with a rash, or signs of dehydration | See a doctor promptly |
| Not eating or drinking as usual, or you are worried | See a doctor |
| Stiff neck, rash that does not fade under a glass, breathing difficulty, very drowsy, blue, grey or blotchy skin | Emergency: call 912 |
Malaria is among the diseases the Ministry of Health tracks closely, and a doctor may test for it when a child has a fever.
GP or paediatrician?
Both can help. A general practitioner sees people of all ages and handles most common childhood illnesses. A paediatrician is a doctor who has specialised in children. Parents often choose a paediatrician for:
- babies, particularly in the first months of life;
- children with long-term conditions, such as asthma or a heart condition;
- growth or development concerns;
- illnesses that have not improved after a first visit.
If you are not sure, choose "Children's doctor (paediatrician)" in the form and explain the situation. We look for a suitable option. Our GP page explains what a general practitioner can do.
Preparing for the appointment
- Take your child's temperature before you go and note the readings and times.
- Write down symptoms: when they started, how they have changed, how much your child is eating, drinking and passing urine.
- List medicines you have given, with doses and times.
- Bring the health booklet with vaccination records and growth charts.
- Bring your insurance card and ID.
- Pack water, a snack, a nappy or change of clothes and a toy or book.
Vaccinations and routine checks
Keep your child's vaccination booklet up to date and bring it to every visit. Ask the doctor whether your child is due any routine vaccines and where they can be given. Routine checks are also a good chance to ask about feeding, sleep, growth and development.
Paying for your child's visit
- RSSB medical scheme. Medical consultations, laboratory tests and medicines are on RSSB's list of covered services, with RSSB paying 85% and the member 15% at contracted facilities. Ask RSSB how dependants are registered.
- Mutuelle de santé. Irembo explains that after payment, the household head and family members can be treated for the year paid for. Mutuelle is organised around public health centres and hospitals.
- Private insurance. Check how your children are listed on the policy and any limits that apply.
- Self-pay. Contact us for a current quote.
Our health insurance guide has more detail.
Questions to ask the doctor
Appointments with a sick child can feel rushed. These questions help you leave with a clear plan:
- What do you think is causing this, and how sure are you?
- Does my child need any tests today, such as a blood or urine test?
- How should I give any medicine, and for how long?
- How much should my child be drinking, and how will I know if they are dehydrated?
- Which signs mean I should come back sooner or go to an emergency department?
- When should I expect my child to start feeling better?
Write the answers down, or ask the doctor to write them for you. If a second carer looks after your child, share the plan with them too.
Book a children's doctor
Use the form on this page, choose "Children's doctor (paediatrician)", and tell us your child's age and main symptoms, for example "2 years old, cough and fever for 3 days". Add your preferred area, such as Kicukiro, Kibagabaga or Nyarutarama, and a date. For any emergency signs, call 912 instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is a paediatrician?
A paediatrician is a medical doctor who specialises in the health of babies, children and teenagers. Many general practitioners also see children. For complex or long-term problems, or for young babies, parents often prefer a paediatrician. We can look for either.
When does a child with fever need urgent care?
NHS guidance says a baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher, or a baby aged 3 to 6 months with 39°C or higher, needs urgent medical advice. A fever lasting 5 days or more also needs checking. In Kigali, call 912 for emergencies.
What are emergency warning signs in a child?
The NHS lists signs such as a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it, difficulty breathing, being very drowsy or hard to wake, blue, grey or blotchy skin, or not responding normally. Call 912 or go to an emergency department.
What should I bring to my child's appointment?
Bring your child's vaccination or health booklet, insurance card if you have one, a list of any medicines given and the doses, and notes on temperature readings and symptoms. Bring water, a snack and something to keep your child busy while you wait.
Can you book a dentist or eye test for my child?
Yes. Choose 'Dentist' or 'Eye clinic / optician' in the booking form and give your child's age. We look for a clinic that is used to seeing children. Signs a child may need an eye test include struggling to see the board and sitting close to screens.
Are children covered by RSSB or Mutuelle?
Cover for children depends on the scheme and on how your household is registered. With Mutuelle, the household head and family members are covered for the year paid for. Ask RSSB or your insurer how your children are listed before your visit.
How much does a paediatric visit cost?
Fees depend on the clinic, whether you see a GP or a paediatrician, and any tests such as a blood test for malaria. Insurance reduces what you pay. Contact us for a current quote.