ADDIS ABABA - Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated a new center for the Ethiopian Prosthetic and Orthotic Service, emphasizing its key role in enhancing the provision of quality services for individuals with disabilities.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the newly established center was conceived following his directive three years ago and marks a significant advancement from previous fragmented service provisions. The center has been restructured to integrate additional services, aiming to modernize and improve its offerings.
The establishment is set to meet growing demands by manufacturing prosthetics and orthotics locally, catering to those affected by disabilities from natural causes or accidents. The center is committed to developing, maintaining, and providing assistive technologies, as well as producing accessible and quality customer-oriented physical supports alongside other rehabilitative services.
Reflecting on his visit to the facility two years ago, Prime Minister Abiy noted the unsatisfactory conditions at that time and has since advocated for a transformation that now allows the center to operate with increased efficiency and modernization.
The Prime Minister underscored the center's potential in providing exemplary services, not only addressing current local needs but also anticipating the expansion of services to accommodate all forms of disabilities in the future. He also highlighted the ambition for the center to serve as a regional hub, extending its reach beyond Ethiopia.
In his address, Prime Minister Abiy expressed appreciation for the international support that has been pivotal in the center's redevelopment, reinforcing the collaboration between Ethiopia and its global partners in improving health and rehabilitation services.