Ethiopia Building Robust Health Regulatory System

Addis Ababa, January 10, 2026 (ENA)—A robust health regulation system has been established in Ethiopia to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency in the provision of food, medicine, and health services, Health State Minister Frehiwot Abebe said today.

Speaking at the opening of an advocacy forum titled “Stronger Health Regulation for a Resilient Health System”, she added that Ethiopia's health policy is primarily focused on ensuring health and safety for citizens, reflecting a significant shift in national health status.

According to her, the country's health policy aims to guarantee the quality and safety of healthcare services, enhance domestic product quality, and improve global competitiveness.

The nation has increased domestically produced drug supply coverage from 8 percent to 60 percent over the past two years alone, Frehiwot stated.

 The state minister elaborated that robust health regulation improves not only domestic medicines and medical equipment, but also saves foreign exchange.

 Moreover, a strong health regulation system would create opportunities for Ethiopia to benefit from medical tourism.

 Therefore, the ministry has been preparing a medical tourism strategy to exploit the untapped potential of the sector.

 She further underscored the need for strengthening health regulation of the country to build a more resilient health system in the country.

 Finally, the state minister emphasized the importance of enhancing institutional coordination and improving digital infrastructure accessible to all health facilities.