Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced that the city administration will actively address concerns raised by healthcare professionals, integrating their feedback to improve health services across the capital.
The Mayor's remarks followed a city-wide discussion, themed "Excellence in Health Service for National Prosperity," which brought together health leaders and professionals. The forum aimed to foster a shared understanding of national healthcare priorities and strengthen collaborative efforts.
Mayor Adanech highlighted significant strides already made in expanding healthcare services in Addis Ababa. She cited the reorganization of 28 existing medical institutions to provide full services, a move that involved bolstering their capacity and resolving resource deficiencies.
"We are committed to elevating the health sector, enhancing existing facilities, and positioning our city as a hub for health tourism," Mayor Adanech stated. She emphasized ongoing efforts to complete new and modern health facility constructions, cultivate skilled health professionals, acquire state-of-the-art medical equipment, and implement foundational initiatives to ensure the well-being and professional growth of healthcare workers.
The city administration will also tackle issues within its purview, including transportation services, housing construction through associations, free medical services, and the full implementation of overtime payment guidelines. The Mayor assured that these matters would be addressed through short and medium-term plans.
While acknowledging the importance of addressing professional concerns, the Mayor also stressed the impropriety of healthcare workers stopping services to voice their demands, deeming it contrary to professional ethics. She reiterated, however, that all ideas raised by medical professionals would be used as valuable input, with improvements implemented in the short, medium, and long term.