AMN PLUS-April 30/2026
Addis Ababa City Administration Mayor Adanech Abiebie has announced that extensive efforts are underway to position the capital as a hub for health tourism.
Presenting the health sector’s performance during the city administration’s nine-month review of the 2026 fiscal year, the mayor noted that four new hospitals have been constructed over the past five years. These include Abebech Gobena, Lafto, Betel Mendida, and Gelan Trauma Center. She added that two of these facilities are expected to begin providing services soon.
According to the mayor, prior to the national reform period, only Tirunesh Beijing Hospital had been built. She described the progress achieved since then as encouraging.
Mayor Adanech stated that, in addition to expanding infrastructure, the city administration has taken measures to improve service delivery and reduce the cost of medical treatment.
Existing hospitals have been upgraded and reorganized to enhance efficiency and capacity. Among these improvements, Zewditu Memorial Hospital has doubled its bed capacity and now delivers services using advanced medical equipment comparable to that of private institutions.
At Menelik II Hospital, a newly constructed five-story building is providing free kidney dialysis services to more than 200 patients.
The mayor also highlighted the establishment of the country’s largest specialized eye treatment center, as well as a forensic DNA testing facility, noting that both are being further equipped with necessary resources.
At Ras Desta Hospital, new capabilities include medical oxygen production, which is also being supplied to other health facilities. Efforts are additionally underway to introduce robotic surgery services at the hospital.
Furthermore, improvements in the standards of health centers across the city have enabled them to provide more advanced services, including surgical procedures. This, she said, has helped reduce patient congestion at major hospitals.
Mayor Adanech emphasized that the achievements recorded over the past nine months align with the broader goal of transforming Addis Ababa into a city capable of delivering world-class healthcare services.
By Leta Teresa
