Ministry to build cardiology, oncology excellence centre
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ADDIS ABABA — THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD Newspaper 3 June 2016: The Cornerstone for the construction of a National Centre of Excellence for Cardiology and Oncology was laid at St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) yesterday. The centre, which is scheduled to be completed in two years time, would be built with an outlay of nearly 50 million USD.
Speaking at the occasion, First Lady Roman Tesfaye said though the rate of non-communicable diseases has been increasing, the nation is in good progress to provide a better medical access. She also said that the government will increase support to cardiology and oncology medical cases treatment and services.
Health Minister Dr. Kesetebirhan Admasu also said that St Paul is one of the better performing hospitals in implementing the principles of hospitals reform and the new center will definitely raise its status.
The Hospital has already started a minimal access surgery service recently. The service avoids pain and help patients to leave hospital fast after surgery.
According to Hospital Neurology Assistant Professor Dr. Alemayehu Tegegne, patients used to go to abroad looking for such type of service. It is the first hospital to give such service in the country.  Dr. Alemayehu noted that effort need to be employed to inform and create awareness among the public about the new service.
The center is expected to have a health care work force of 1800 with a projected daily average outpatient volume of 1,900 to 2,200 when it fully goes operational. It was indicated that SPHMMC has established a mechanism for training in country and overseas when the center start operation.
BY HENOK TIBEBU