Ethiopian PM inaugurates China-supported military hospital

Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated a specialized referral hospital of the national army in Bishoftu town, in Ethiopia’s Oromia regional state.

The new hospital, equipped with China-aided medical supplies and supported by China-trained medical staff, is considered the apex of healthcare facilities in Ethiopia.

“The defense specialized referral hospital is unique in that it is a top-notch healthcare facility equipped with state-of-the-art technologies,” Abiy said during the inaugural ceremony.

The prime minister said that the hospital will provide high-quality medical services that were previously considered out of reach within Ethiopia’s borders.

Covering an area of over 75,600 square meters, the new hospital is set to offer cardiac surgery, organ transplantation and treatment in neurosurgery and oncology, among others.

Shewaye Haile, the hospital’s commandant, said the hospital is staffed with internationally trained medical professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art medical supplies and equipment provided by the government of China.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the government of China for purchasing, exporting and installing the majority of the hospital’s permanent medical equipment. By doing so, the Chinese military medical experts team has proved that it remains a strategic partner of the Ethiopian defense force,” she said.

China has been sending military medical expert teams to Ethiopia on a yearly basis to save lives and provide medical assistance, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Ethiopian army in medical and healthcare services, Haile added.

According to the commander, China has been helping improve medical standards in Ethiopia by offering medical training to Ethiopian military health professionals at the hospital and inviting them to China for training.