Addis Ababa, May 28, 2026 Ethiopia is aiming to become a leading regional destination for medical tourism by developing advanced specialized healthcare services and integrating AI-powered diagnostic technologies.

The State Minister of Health stated that this initiative, designed to attract patients from across the Horn of Africa while improving local healthcare, is a key priority within the government’s ongoing health sector reforms.

He added, “We are already seeing many patients coming to our country from neighboring regions such as Somalia, Djibouti, and northern Kenya.”

According to the State Minister, this initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s revised health policy, which places great emphasis on expanding advanced specialized healthcare services and building a highly skilled medical workforce.

The State Minister emphasized that achieving the country’s medical tourism ambitions requires simultaneous investment in modern healthcare infrastructure, advanced medical equipment, and sustainable pharmaceutical supplies.

The State Minister noted that the new facility expansion at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College is a significant achievement, adding that many private hospitals in Addis Ababa are increasingly offering high-level specialized medical services.

He affirmed that digital transformation remains a central focus of the strategy and is part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s “Digital Ethiopia 2025” vision.

According to the State Minister, the integration of expanded specialized healthcare, digital medical records, and AI-powered healthcare systems is expected to boost Ethiopia’s competitiveness as a regional healthcare destination, while expanding access to high-quality medical services for citizens across the country.

He further indicated that the ministry plans to replicate successful healthcare models currently implemented in Addis Ababa in major regional cities.

This strategy follows the recent inauguration of the Lafto Hospital by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a modern medical facility built on 5.4 hectares, designed to treat complex diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

The hospital is expected to significantly reduce the number of Ethiopians traveling abroad for advanced medical treatment and help curb foreign currency outflows associated with overseas healthcare spending.

St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College

St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College is a prominent public medical institution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, originally established in 1969 as St. Paul’s Hospital. It was expanded and renamed in 2007 to become a comprehensive medical college, playing a key role in training healthcare professionals and providing specialized medical care in the country. The college has since grown into a major center for medical education, research, and clinical services, particularly in underserved regions.

Lafto Hospital

Lafto Hospital is a public healthcare facility located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was established to provide medical services to the local community, particularly in the densely populated Lafto area. The hospital plays a key role in offering primary and emergency care, though it faces challenges common to Ethiopian public hospitals, such as resource limitations.