The Russian Red Cross Hospital named after Dejazmach Balcha in Addis Ababa received a shipment of modern Russian-made medical equipment for diagnostics, surgical intervention and resuscitation. The delivery, which took place within the framework of the Agreement between the Ministry of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Russian Red Cross, was an important step in the modernization of the medical institution. The equipment was handed over during the visit of the Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko.
The list of equipment includes stationary and mobile artificial ventilation devices for adults and children, anesthesia breathing systems, diagnostic ultrasound systems, mobile X-ray machines, as well as a number of other medical devices essential for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The equipment of the health facility shall foster the opportunities for Russian and Ethiopian specialists working at the Hospital to provide high-quality and prompt assistance as well as increase the availability of medical care for citizens of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
«The Russian Red Cross Hospital in Addis Ababa has a rich history and high social significance. By order of the President of the Russian Federation, a large-scale reconstruction of the institution is planned, as a result of which the citizens of Ethiopia and other African countries will have access to modern medical care of high Russian standards. Today equipment for a number of departments has been delivered to the Hospital, which will make it possible to expand the range of qualified assistance. We also plan to further strengthen contacts with our colleagues at the level of our medical universities», said the Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko.
During the visit Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko observed the infrastructure and current facilities of the Russian Red Cross Hospital named after Dejazmach Balcha. He held a meeting with the President of the Russian Red Cross Pavel Savchuk, the administration of the health facility, Russian and Ethiopian specialists. Mikhail Murashko accentuated the importance of the modern equipment highlighting that it would significantly improve the quality and accessibility of medical care in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
During his working visit Mikhail Murashko also got acquainted with the work of specialists from the national medical centers of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation who had held free consultations for patients at the Russian Red Cross Hospital named after Dejazmach Balcha for several days and still continue the practice. The medical staff sees about 150 patients daily. The medical team includes a cardiologist, physician, infectious disease specialist, gynecologist, orthopedist, dermatovenerologist and pediatrician.
The plans for further development of the Hospital were also included in the agenda of the meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Ethiopian Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and Trade to be held on February 19, 2025, as one of the items of bilateral cooperation in the field of health care of the countries.
«The Russian Red Cross Hospital was inaugurated in Ethiopia as a symbol of friendship and mutual support between the two countries. Today, it is an important part of the country’s healthcare system. That is why it is crucial for us to maintain high-quality work and expand the hospital’s capabilities. In addition, we plan to implement ongoing staff training, facilitate the exchange of experience with Russian specialists, and introduce modern digital services and service standards. During a one-week visit, together with colleagues from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and Roszdravnadzor (the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the hospital’s activities across all areas. Following this working visit, a detailed modernization plan will be developed to ensure the institution’s growth in the coming years», emphasized the President of the Russian Red Cross Pavel Savchuk.
The Russian Red Cross Hospital named after Dejazmatch Balcha is the first Russian multidisciplinary medical institution in Africa. It was founded in 1947 and has been providing medical care to Ethiopians for nearly 80 years. In 2025 with support from the Government of the Russian Federation the large-scale modernization was launched. It is aimed at upgrading infrastructure, expanding the range of medical services and improving the professional qualities of medical staff.
