The Ministry of Health has launched its annual volunteer health service, setting an ambitious goal to provide free medical care to five million citizens who cannot afford treatment.

The initiative kicked off at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, where a week-long program under the theme “Volunteerism for a Healthy Society” will offer medical counseling, examinations, and treatment at no cost. The event was held in collaboration with the Addis Ababa City Administration's Public Participation and Volunteer Coordination Commission.

Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba attended the launch alongside Eka Kotebe Hospital CEO Dr. Muluken Tesfaye and other senior city officials. Dr. Mekdes highlighted the growing culture of volunteerism, noting that similar efforts in previous years provided medical services to 4.5 million people.

"We are building on that success and pushing to reach an even greater number this year," she said.

Dr. Muluken added that his hospital alone is aiming to serve 100,000 disadvantaged people this year, up from the 80,000 it treated last year.

This year's program will place a strong emphasis on preventing communicable diseases and will also include screenings and preventative work for non-communicable diseases. Officials stressed the need for these volunteer efforts to continue growing, with Dr. Muluken describing the service as a practical way for health professionals to put their goodwill into action, ENA reported.