Jimma University Medical Center has officially inaugurated a series of new projects valued at over 200 million Birr, including a critical oxygen plant and advanced cancer treatment technology. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a host of high-level officials, including the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba; Deputy Ministers Dr. Dereje Duguma, Ms. Frehiwot Abebe, and Ms. Sahlela Abdullahi; the Head of the Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Professor Netsanet Workneh; the President of Jimma University, Dr. Jemal Abafita; as well as senior officials from federal, regional, and university levels.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Jemal Abafita, President of Jimma University, highlighted the transformative impact of the oxygen plant. He revealed that the university had previously been spending over 20 million Birr annually on oxygen due to the lack of a production facility. “This oxygen plant has elevated the service the university provides to the community by one level,” Dr. Jemal stated. “Beyond our institution, it will now meet the needs of other health institutions in the region.” He extended gratitude to the Ministry of Health and partner organizations for their support.
Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, placed the inauguration within a national context, noting that 58 oxygen plants have now been successfully installed in institutions across Ethiopia. “Although expanding and renovating the health sector requires capacity and cost, if we work together in a sustainable manner, we can bring about change,” Dr. Mekdes said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Professor Ahmed Zeinudin, Chief Executive Director of the Jimma University Health Sciences Institute, provided further details on the newly available services. These include a dedicated Palliative Care Service, an advanced Brachytherapy unit for cervical cancer—the second of its kind in the country after the Black Lion Hospital—three nationally accredited laboratories, a new Pediatrics Physiotherapy center, and a facility to strengthen pathology services for training and research. He also announced that an Eye Bank service, an electronic medical record system, and other projects would become operational soon.
Dr. Hunde Ahmed, Chief Clinical Director of the Jimma University Medical Center, confirmed the total project cost of over 200 million Birr and underscored the resolution of previous oxygen supply and quality issues. “The new equipment, providing 24-hour service, will be able to meet the increasing demand from the community,” he said, describing the oxygen plant’s commissioning as a “major success” for the center.
The inauguration of these projects marks a pivotal step in enhancing medical care, research, and training at Jimma University, promising to significantly improve health outcomes for the community it serves.
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