The second cancer treatment center in Ethiopia has been inaugurated at Jimma University, Jimma Medical Centre (JMC).
It has been inaugurated officially in the presence of the Ministry of Health Dr. Liya Tadesse and Jimma University president Dr. Jemal Abafita accompanied by higher officials from the federal government, Jimma City and Jimma University.
It is obvious that cancer, in recent times has become a major public health threat globally. The direct and indirect costs attributed to the diseases and its treatment is staggering.
Understanding this predicament, the federal government has made a policy change and made a strategic plan six years ago in order to give due emphasis to combat cancer through decentralizing chemotherapy and radiotherapy services across the country.
Accordingly, Jimma Medical Centre paediatric oncology unit have been launched some five years ago, whereas the adult oncology unit is opened two years ago. The unit has received more than 2500 visitors as well as regular follow-ups for chemotherapy. More than a quarter of them are waiting for the commencement of the radiotherapy, which was under construction.
Now after a long and ardent struggle as well as ups and downs for years, the first comprehensive cancer treatment centre came into existence for service in Jimma University.
This great achievement of JU, Jimma Medical Centre is officially opened for service on 19 Feb 2022.