Haramaya University Hiot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, inaugurated a cancer treatment center in the presence of Dr. Liya Tadesse, minister of federal ministry of Health, Mrs. Misra Abdella, Harari Regional State Deputy president and the federal and the University’s higher officials, February 25/20200.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Liya Tadesse said six more centers are being built to reduce the burden on the Ethiopian Cancer Treatment Service which is limited to Black Lion Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa. This center, whose inauguration ceremony was held at Haramaya University Hiot Fana Special Teaching Hospital, is part of the six Cancer Treatment Centers which are under constructing in deferent locations in the country.

Dr. Liya added that the construction of the Cancer Treatment center will help to alleviate the suffering of long distance to Addis Ababa and financial burden of the patients. Efforts are being made to prevent and control non-communicable diseases in the country, especially to improve access to medical care and reduce the citizens’ suffering. The center will significantly contribute to the provision of a radiation therapy center in eastern Ethiopia beyond Harar, according to Dr. Liya Taddesse.

Mrs. Misra Abdalla, Harari State Deputy President, on her part, said that the state is working hard to provide quality services, especially maternal and child mortality. The number of people coming to the state from different parts of the country for treatment is increasing.

Mrs. Misra noted that the number of people seeking medical treatment in the region is increasing and the opening of this cancer treatment center will increase the accessibility for large number of patients more than the previous one and the center would alleviate the suffering of the people, especially in the eastern part of the country.

Prof. Mengistu Urge, delegated president of Haramaya University and Vice President for the Academic affairs, said that the University is focusing on producing professionals trained in agriculture, medicine and other fields. He added that Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Sciences is making significant contribution to Eastern Ethiopia and this center is one as its construction of the center will benefit sections of the society in eastern Ethiopia.

Dr. Yadeta Dessie, Chief Executive Director of Haramaya University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, said the University has graduated more than 16,000 health professionals since its establishment. Dr. Yadeta also added that more than 274 million birr has been spent on the construction of this cancer center. The medical center is being built at a cost of 75 million birr while the Ministry of Health and its partners have spent $ 4 million to purchase the medical equipments for the Cancer Treatment Center.  The cancer treatment center can serves more than 60 people per day, said the Director.

Lastly the University’s Harme Medical Emergency Center, Harar Me-CCare Ambulance Dispatch Center and CHAMPS laboratory in the University’s health and medical Science College has been visited by Dr. Liya Tadese minister of Federa Health Ministry and the Federal Ministry of health team.

By: Aweke Ayalneh

Photograph: Fuad Ahmed