A new regional laboratory, built at a cost exceeding 85 million birr, has been inaugurated yesterday in the Harari region, marking a significant step forward in modernizing healthcare for the eastern part of Ethiopia.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Head of the Harari Regional Government, Ordin Bedri, and the Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in streamlining medical services for the region and its neighbors.

In his address, Ordin Bedri stated that the new laboratory will enhance the accessibility of healthcare for citizens by upgrading the delivery of medical services. He emphasized that the center’s operations will be tailored to meet the specific needs of communities in the Harari and surrounding regions. Ordin also highlighted that the laboratory will support the ongoing "health corridor" development in the region, fostering collaborative partnerships between public and private health institutions.

Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, noted the significant transformations that have occurred in the health sector over the past seven years, from policy reforms to a renewed focus on disease prevention and treatment. She underscored the government's commitment to expanding health infrastructure and providing necessary equipment to ensure that both urban and rural populations have access to quality healthcare. Dr. Mekdes also revealed that the government has successfully constructed 28 internationally-standardized laboratories during this period, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to the sector.