The partnership between Jimma University Medical Center and the Swiss Surgeons for Ethiopia Foundation Go Star Project was initiated in 2006 by Dr. Joerg Peltzer the founder of this project. On the celebration the Swiss Ambassador H.E. Daniel Hunn, Dr. Joerg Peltzer. MD President Swiss Surgeons for Ethiopia Foundation, Mayor of Swiss Mr. Alec, Officials and business owners supporting this Project and higher officials have participated.
In his welcoming speech, JU’s V/President for Academic Affairs Dr. Adula Bekele addressed that the University is very proud to be a partner to this very efficient, dedicated and need-based project of practical nature in improving the quality of services delivered in at JUMC (hospital). He mentioned that JU has been exerting relentless efforts to expand the medical services in the hospital both in terms of serving a large number of population and ensuring better quality services by constructing a modern hospital infrastructure, and equipping all wards with arts of the day equipment. The GO STAR Foundation has been the most cherished partner persistently supporting JU with the provision of modern hospital equipment.
At the event, the Swiss Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Daniel Hunn, addressed that Swiss-Ethiopian Collaboration is progressing well, and the GO STAR project is very fruitful in improving the health and quality of life of Orthopedic Trauma patients. The Ambassador also acknowledged Dr. Jörg Peltzer, the founder and president of the project, visiting Surgeons, officials, and business owners supporting this Project, especially the cyclist who bicycled 12 days from Addis Ababa to Jimma and donates a minimum of 20, 000 Swiss franc to participate in this event. He also emphasized that our collaboration will endure.
Dr. Mohammed Mecha, the Chief Executive Director of Jimma University Medical Center in his speech addressed that the collaboration played an enormous role in improving Orthopedic and Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at Jimma University Medical Center. Dr. Mohammed also mentioned that JMC and GS have signed a new MOU with the goal to realize a Training program for Orthopedic Surgery according to the National Standards and to impose a program of hygiene according to the WHO standards. To achieve this goal JMC dedicated an Orthopedic Ward in the new building, where the Go Star would contribute through knowledge transfer and material provision.
Mr. Kora Tushune, JU’s V/President for Business and Development, on his side, appreciated the fruitful collaboration and addressed that it should be further strengthened and extended in order to approach societal problems in a multidisciplinary manner.
Finally, the event was concluded with the team’s visit of the Old Orthopedic ward, office of the project and New Orthopedic Ward.
