Education Minister, Mr Shiferaw Shigute along with Arba Minch Town Administrator, Mr Tilahun Kebede, AMU Board Chairman, Mr Tagesse Chafo, AMU President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes and university top officials laid the foundation stone for 300-bedded Referral-cum-Teaching hospital at Secha, Arba Minch, on March 14, 2015. Construction will be completed in three years time. Click here to see the Pictures.

Dr Feleke, addressing the gathering, said, ‘‘Arba Minch University has been giving training in the field of health science and in recent years produced adequate graduates. Though, we trained many but had no hospital; this institution, I am sure will be the centre of training.
Further, he adds, ‘‘With the growth of the college it was mandatory to build hospital. Now we are indebted to Federal Government for making available required financial resources and Town administration for providing the land.’’ He also reminded the contractor to complete the project in the stipulated time frame.
Education Minister speaking to the gathering, said, ‘‘This hospital will benefit, Arba Minch town, a tourist destination in two ways; first the former will assume greater importance as the centre of training for medical professionals and the latter will comfortably offer specialized healthcare  services to the surrounding community and to in-flowing foreign tourists as well.’’ He further said, it will be the win-win situation both for the town and university Hospital itself.
The program got off with Gamo Gofa Cultural band belting out popular cultural songs to the accompaniment of dance. People from the cross section of the society gathered at the venue to witness the event.
Mr Tilahun welcoming the dignitaries expressed his gratitude towards Federal Government and AMU for constructing hospital in the town. ‘‘This hospital means a lot for Arba Minch people, who badly needed it. The dispensation of specialized healthcare services would arrest the flow of people to other towns in search of qualified treatment.’’ He assured every possible support for the completion of this project.
Previously, AMU had signed an agreement with Hawassa-based Yirgalem Construction Plc to build the hospital at Senate Hall on Oct 3, 2014; and on January 20, 2015, Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Agena Anjulo led the AMU team with Vice President for Administration, Dr Yechale and others to hand over the land to the contractor.
Mr Tagesse Chafo gracing the ceremony also addressed the gathering. The program was steered by Corporate Communication Directorate Director, Mr Fissiha Bekele. Guests including Prof Zinabu Gebremariam, AMU top officials and community members attended the program.


(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)