Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — May 27, 2026 | Horn News Hub
Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie has announced the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Lafto Specialized Hospital, describing it as East Africa’s first artificial intelligence-powered hospital.
The hospital was officially inaugurated on May 27, 2026, in the presence of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Mayor Adanech said the project represents a major step forward in Ethiopia’s healthcare modernization efforts and aims to expand access to advanced medical treatment within the country.
“Today, we thank the Creator for blessing us with this day. Congratulations to all residents of our city,” the mayor said. “In the presence of His Excellency Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, we inaugurated the state-of-the-art Lafto Specialized Hospital, the first AI-powered hospital of its kind in East Africa.”
Built on 5.4 hectares of land, the hospital complex consists of 17 modern buildings with a capacity of 500 beds. Officials said the facility was designed according to international standards and will provide advanced cancer and cardiac treatment services.
The mayor stated that the hospital is expected to reduce the number of Ethiopians seeking costly medical treatment abroad, while also helping the country save foreign currency currently spent on overseas healthcare services.
Among the hospital’s most notable technologies is a PET-Scan system supported by artificial intelligence, described as the first of its kind in East Africa. The technology will be used for cancer screening and follow-up care.
The facility also includes Ethiopia’s first MRI 3 Tesla “Zero Helium Boil-off” device, a 640-slice One-Beat Cardiac CT Scan capable of conducting a full examination within a single heartbeat, and a modern Cath Lab system designed for rapid diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of heart and brain blood vessel conditions.
Additional equipment includes a 3D mammography system for early breast cancer detection and biopsy procedures, as well as the country’s first fully automated robotic laboratory system aimed at minimizing human error and improving the speed and quality of laboratory results.
The hospital is also equipped with advanced ultrasound and digital X-ray technologies, an oxygen and medical gas production plant capable of producing 80 cubic meters of oxygen per hour, and anti-bacterial walls and flooring materials intended to reduce hospital-acquired infections.
To ensure uninterrupted services, the facility includes an independent water well and sewage treatment system. Officials also highlighted the installation of 18 modern refrigeration units and long-term preservation facilities that meet international standards.
Mayor Adanech emphasized that the hospital will operate under a combined government and private-sector management model intended to provide inclusive healthcare services for both higher-income and lower-income residents.
She expressed gratitude to government leaders, stakeholders, and community members for their support in completing the project, describing the hospital as an important investment in improving healthcare access and service quality in Ethiopia.
Source: Addis Media Network (AMN)
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