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Ethiopia’s second radiology center has opened at the Jima University Hospital. The opening of the center will significantly expand access to radiation treatment for cancer patients which was so far available only at the Black Lion Specialized Hospital.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of Health Dr.Liya Tadesse said work is underway to build seven additional centers in different parts of the country in response to the worrying trends in cancer prevalence and incidence, and a large backlog of cancer patients waiting to access treatment across Ethiopia.
The center features a variety of modern radio therapy equipment, including LINAC (Linear accelerator machine).
The Minister expressed appreciation to individuals and institutions who supported the realization of the project, and urged them to continue their support in the effort to expand radiation therapy services in Ethiopia.
More than 70,000 cancer cases are reported every year in Ethiopia. Prior to the launch of the Jima University Hospital radiation therapy center, those patients get treatment only at the country’s only radiology center a the Black Lion Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa.
The inauguration of the Jima Radiation Therapy center was attended by dignitaries and senior government officials, including Former First Lady and Founder of The Hailemariam and Roman Foundation Roman Tesfaye, State Minister of Health Dr.Dereje Duguma and Jima city mayor Ato Nejib Abaraya,