Addis Ababa, September 19, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is set to establish East Africa’s largest National Integrated Rehabilitation Center, a milestone initiative aimed at consolidating and advancing the country’s health infrastructure.
Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba inaugurated the construction of the center at Gefersa, Sheger City, during a ceremony attended by senior government officials and leading medical practitioners.
In her remarks, Dr. Mekdes highlighted that the new rehabilitation center will serve as a benchmark for Ethiopia’s healthcare sector, transforming the nation’s current rehabilitation services into a continental center of excellence. Ethiopia’s existing rehabilitation facilities have been operating for over 40 years, and the new project aims to position the country as Africa’s leading provider of care for people with health challenges.
Dr. Mekdes reaffirmed the government’s commitment to health policy, particularly the management of non-communicable diseases, which have been a priority over the past three decades.
The minister explained that the National Integrated Rehabilitation Center will consolidate 17 existing facilities into a single, integrated institution, providing coordinated services for individuals with physical disabilities alongside those with mental health conditions. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs will also cater to patients with cognitive, psychological, and bodily impairments.
Spanning more than 17 hectares, the center will comprise 13 blocks dedicated to medical, therapeutic, residential, and recreational services. It will also feature urban agriculture programs to support patient care, facilitate therapy, and generate employment opportunities across multiple professional fields.
Upon completion, the center will deliver specialized care for accident-related injuries, chronic ailments, and other health conditions, making it the largest facility of its kind in East Africa. Fully funded by the Ethiopian government, the project underscores the country’s commitment to expanding rehabilitation services and promoting health tourism.
Dr. Mekdes added that the National Integrated Rehabilitation Center will serve as a flagship institution, enhancing the living conditions of underprivileged communities both within Ethiopia and across the continent.