PM Abiy says Defense Specialized Referral Hospital will reduce overseas travel cost for medication

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2024 (FBC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that the Defense Specialized Referral Hospital will not only provide medical services to the army, but it will also reduce the cost of travel abroad for medication.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Defense Specialized Referral Hospital in Bishoftu town of Oromia region today.

Speaking at the occasion, the premier said that the Defense Specialized Referral Hospital has not been realized for more than 35 years.

The specialized referral hospital was inaugurated today due to the attention given to it and the national reforms implemented over the years, he said.

Abiy commended the leadership of the Ministry of Defense for the great contributions they have made for the completion of the hospital.

Defense is spearheading the implementations in all fields that the country has embarked upon, he said and he urged them to continue the wonderful work it has started so that it can be a leading competitor in agriculture, industry, housing construction and other sectors.

The premier also called upon professionals in various fields abroad to come home and serve their country.

This plays a significant role for the development of the country and benefits of citizens, Prime Minister Abiy added.

The hospital has been built according to standards, he said, adding this will alleviate the cost of travels abroad for medication.

Government officials in particular, should halt travels abroad for medication and they should get their treatment from the hospital, he stated.

He also called on the public to get services from the hospital.
Recalling that the health policy of the country previously focused on prevention, he stated that now attention should be given to the ability for treatment.

In this regard, he expressed his belief that several hospitals, with the required facilities, will be established in different parts of the country in the coming years.

So, by getting services from such hospitals, the travel expenses for medication abroad should be alleviated and redirected for development undertakings, the primer stressed.

The project implementations being undertaken in various sectors in the country are under completion, he mentioned, adding that these works should be strengthened to achieve the prosperity of the country.