Addis Ababa, June 12, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense and India’s Padiyath Health Care Group have signed a landmark joint venture agreement aimed at strengthening specialized healthcare services and expanding access to world-class medical treatment in the country.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed and Chairman of Padiyath Health Care Group, Dr. Hazeeb Rahman, in the presence of Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba, Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Anil Kumar Rai, and senior officials from the Defense Specialized Referral Hospital and Diagnostic Group.
The partnership seeks to modernize medical infrastructure, introduce advanced healthcare technologies, and facilitate knowledge and skills transfer to elevate Ethiopia’s specialized healthcare services to international standards.
The Defense Specialized Referral Hospital and Diagnostic Group, located in Bishoftu and inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in May 2024, was recently restructured into a comprehensive healthcare group following a Council of Ministers decision aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and expanding service delivery.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed described the agreement as a historic milestone that supports the ongoing modernization of Ethiopia’s defense sector, including reforms across the military health system from frontline medical units to specialized referral facilities.
She said the partnership would further strengthen the capabilities the Defense Specialized Referral Hospital and Diagnostic Group has demonstrated across various medical disciplines since its establishment.
Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba said the joint venture reflects the government’s commitment to building centers of excellence and advancing national healthcare sovereignty.
She noted that expanding access to high-quality medical services would help position Ethiopia as a leading healthcare destination in East Africa, adding that the institution should serve as a cornerstone of the country’s growing health tourism initiative with benefits extending beyond the capital.
Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Anil Kumar Rai described the venture as an important step toward strengthening patient-centered healthcare services for both military personnel and civilians, noting that healthcare has become a key pillar of the growing partnership between Ethiopia and India.
Given Ethiopia’s significant role in regional peacekeeping missions, the ambassador also encouraged the development of the Bishoftu facility into a continental emergency medical hub capable of serving African Union peacekeeping personnel and patients from across Africa.
For his part, Dr. Hazeeb Rahman said the partnership aims to establish a world-class referral network in Ethiopia capable of delivering advanced healthcare services at affordable costs.
“Our goal is not only to provide world-class healthcare but also to ensure that these services remain accessible and affordable to the wider population,” he said.
Operating across Africa and Asia, Padiyath Health Care Group focuses on reducing outbound medical tourism by bringing specialized treatment, advanced diagnostics, and modern healthcare technologies closer to the communities it serves, as reported by local news agency ENA.
Officials said the joint venture marks a major step toward transforming the Defense Specialized Referral Hospital and Diagnostic Group into a highly competitive center of excellence serving both military personnel and the wider public.