ADDIS ABABA— The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has donated critical medical equipment to St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) here, significantly enhancing the institution’s capacity in respiratory and general medical care.
The donation, made through KOICA’s “Global Doctor” small-scale project, aims to strengthen bronchoscopy services at the hospital. The support package includes a bronchoscopy simulator, bronchoscopy monitor, spirometers, printers, computers, and essential medical supplies.
Facilitated by Prof. Yoo Deok Jong, a KOICA-dispatched internal medicine specialist at SPHMMC, the initiative also saw the establishment of a side laboratory within the hospital’s internal medicine department. This lab is expected to enhance both diagnostic and training capabilities in the field of respiratory medicine.
Prof. Yoo, who has been serving in Ethiopia since 2016—first at Jimma University and later at St. Paul’s since 2023—has played a vital role in implementing technical support, teaching, and capacity-building efforts.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, KOICA Ethiopia Director Han Deok Cho reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s healthcare sector. “This donation, made possible through our small-scale project and the dedication of Prof. Yoo, is intended to elevate SPHMMC’s ability to offer high-quality education and patient care, especially in bronchoscopy services,” he said.
SPHMMC Provost Sisay Sirgu (MD) expressed gratitude for KOICA’s continued support. “We are immensely grateful for this generous contribution,” he said. “The new equipment and laboratory upgrades will significantly benefit our students, faculty, and, most importantly, our patients. We deeply appreciate the ongoing academic and technical assistance from Prof. Yoo.”
The initiative marks another milestone in the collaborative partnership between KOICA and Ethiopia’s healthcare institutions, focusing on building local capacity through sustained technical and material support.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 15 MAY 2025
