Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences Inaugurates Medical Centers with a Total Cost Exceeding 1 Billion ETB

**Message of Gratitude from the President of Hawassa University**

“Our venerable university consistently strives for excellence!

Today, under the auspices of Hawassa University, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences celebrated the inauguration of significant projects, constructed at a cost exceeding 1 billion birr.

The newly completed facilities include a center for forensic medicine and toxicology, a cancer chemotherapy treatment center, a community medicine center, and centers for psychiatric medicine and infant intensive care—amenities that were once scarce in our region and predominantly found in Addis Ababa.

Notably, the Cancer Chemotherapy Center, which houses 100 patient beds and incurred a construction cost of 400 million birr, stands out as the fourth of its kind in the nation, marking its distinctiveness. Consequently, this center is poised to extend its medical services to the surrounding communities, including Sidama.

On behalf of our entire university community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in the fruition of these projects.”

* Dr. Ayano Berasso Hula , President of Hawassa University, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Dr. Dereje Duguma, the State Minister of Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health, presided over the inauguration ceremony.

Distinguished guests from both the Federal and Regional State, such as Dr. Dereje Duguma, the State Minister of Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Beyene Barasa, Vice President of the Sidama National Regional State, and Dr. Ayano Berasso, President of Hawassa University, attended the inauguration ceremony to deliver their addresses.

Introduction:

Today, the Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, situated in Hawassa, Sidama region of Ethiopia, celebrated the opening of multiple medical centers. These include an Oncology Centre with Radiation Therapy, a Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Unit, a Community Pharmacy, a Psychiatry Unit, and a Neonatal Critical Care Unit, cumulatively costing over ETB 1 billion.

This significant investment demonstrates the university’s commitment to improving healthcare services and medical education in Ethiopia. The establishment of these medical centers will greatly benefit the local community and contribute to the overall development of healthcare in the region. Let’s explore the impact of these medical centers and their contribution to the healthcare landscape in Ethiopia.

Inauguration Ceremony:


The inauguration ceremony took place today, June 8, 2024, attended by distinguished guests from the Federal and Regional State: Dr. Dereje Duguma, the State Minister of Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Beyene Barasa, the Vice President of the Sidama National Regional State, Dr. Ayano Berasso, President of Hawassa University, Associate Professor Alemu Tamiso Debiso, Chief Executive Director of Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Engineer Zelalem Wolde-Amanuel, the General Manager of Yirgalem Construction Plc. and invited guests. The event underscored the Hawassa University’s commitment to advancing healthcare services excellence beyond the Sidama region in Ethiopia.

Expansion of Medical Centers:

The inauguration of the new medical centers marks a major milestone for Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences. The university has invested a substantial amount of funds to expand its medical facilities, aiming to enhance healthcare services and meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. The total cost of the project, exceeding 1 billion, reflects the scale and importance of this development.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

The newly inaugurated medical centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technologies. These modern facilities will enable healthcare professionals to provide high-quality medical care, diagnosis, and treatment to patients. The investment in cutting-edge equipment and infrastructure demonstrates the university’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and ensuring the best possible healthcare outcomes for patients.

Enhancing Medical Education:

In addition to providing improved healthcare services, the expansion of medical centers at Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences will also enhance medical education. The new facilities will serve as training grounds for medical students, allowing them to gain practical experience and develop their clinical skills. This hands-on learning environment will contribute to producing competent and well-rounded healthcare professionals who can address the healthcare challenges of the future.

Benefits to the Community:

The inauguration of these medical centers will have a significant positive impact on the local community. The increased capacity and improved healthcare services will ensure that community members have access to quality medical care close to their homes. This will reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized treatments, resulting in improved health outcomes and reduced financial burden on patients and their families.

Learn more:

  1. Economic Burden of Cancer on Cancer Patients Treated at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital – PubMed
  2. Predictors of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia | BMC Pediatrics | Full Text
  3. Mapping disparities in education across low- and middle-income countries | Nature

Author: MULUGETA WOLDETSADIK, Outreach Librarian/Information Professional-Library Books and Digital Resources Donation Projects Manager at Hawassa University, Ethiopia

Mulugeta Woldetsadik, an Ethiopian Outreach Librarian or Information Professional, has a career spanning various libraries in Ethiopian educational institutions, from schools to universities. Currently, he collaborates with international donor organizations to boost book and digital resource donations. Dedicated to promoting information and digital literacy, he specifically targets libraries in primary and secondary schools and participates in community outreach programs. His work is vital in improving access to information and technology and highlighting the educational resources and services provided by libraries in rural areas of Ethiopia's Sidama region.

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