Cornerstone Laid to Build Specialized Cardiac Care Center

Addis Ababa April 29/2019 A cornerstone has been laid today, to build the Ethiopia’s first specialized cardiac care center in the capital at a cost of 40 million Euro.

Minister of Health, Dr. Amir Aman and The Netherland’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Bengt Van Loosdrecht have laid the cornerstone to build the cardiac care center at Black Lion hospital.

The Netherlands based Philips Company, which is the world’s brand name leader in health technology, is expected to build the cardiac care center in the capital Addis Ababa.

The construction of the center, which will be completed in two years, is part of the Netherlands government goal to improve Ethiopia’s health infrastructure.

Last year, both countries have agreed to jointly finance the construction of the cardiac center and the government of Netherlands pledged to finance the state of building.

Accordingly, Ethiopia and The Netherlands will cover 50 percent of the fund that costs close to 40 million Euros, it was indicated.

Moreover, the Netherlands government will also cover technical and consultancy services in addition to the financing support.

On the occasion, Minister of Health, Dr. Amir said the center, which will be operational after two years, is a milestone moment for the country, that has one of the world’s highest prevalence of rheumatic heart disease and a dire need for cardiology care.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia, Bengt Van Loosdrecht said on his part that partnership between Ethiopia and The Netherlands on the health sector is important.

“About 10,000 chronic heart disease patients are on a waiting list to be operated and this is growing,” he added.

The care center will have the physical capacity to perform 500 surgeries, 1,600 lab diagnoses, and 500 lab interventions once it is operational.

It is also modern in its kind and will have some 94 beds and 3 operating fields, it was indicated.