STORY: Ethiopian PM inaugurates China-supported military hospital
SHOOTING TIME: May 18, 2024
DATELINE: May 19, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:53
LOCATION: Addis Ababa
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the inauguration of the specialized referral hospital
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Amharic): ABIY AHMED, Ethiopian Prime Minister
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Amharic): SHEWAYE HAILE, the hospital's commandant

STORYLINE:

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday inaugurated a specialized referral hospital of the national army in Bishoftu town, in Ethiopia's Oromia regional state.
   
The new hospital, equipped with China-aided medical supplies and supported by China-trained medical staff, is considered the apex of healthcare facilities in Ethiopia.
   
"The defense specialized referral hospital is unique in that it is a top-notch healthcare facility equipped with state-of-the-art technologies," Abiy said during the inaugural ceremony.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Amharic): ABIY AHMED, Ethiopian Prime Minister
"There is no hospital in Ethiopia like this one which is built with the highest quality and state-of-the-art technology. It can be considered the top-notch healthcare facility in Ethiopia."

The prime minister said that the hospital will provide high-quality medical services that were previously considered out of reach within Ethiopia's borders.
   
Covering an area of over 75,600 square meters, the new hospital is set to offer cardiac surgery, organ transplantation and treatment in neurosurgery and oncology, among others.
   
Shewaye Haile, the hospital's commandant, said the hospital is staffed with internationally trained medical professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art medical supplies and equipment provided by the government of China.
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (Amharic): SHEWAYE HAILE, The hospital's commandant
"The majority of the hospital's permanent medical equipment including one of the highest quality level-3 laboratory equipment in Africa was purchased, transported and installed by the Chinese professionals. I would like to extend my gratitude to the government of China which has once again and practically proved its strategic partnership with Ethiopian national army."
   
China has been sending military medical expert teams to Ethiopia on a yearly basis to save lives and provide medical assistance, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Ethiopian army in medical and healthcare services, Haile added.
   
According to the commander, China has been helping improve medical standards in Ethiopia by offering medical training to Ethiopian military health professionals at the hospital and inviting them to China for training.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Addis Ababa.
(XHTV)