Artist Sami Kassa - Samvod

What is the business of home medical services in Ethiopia?

Although home medical services have become increasingly popular in Ethiopia in recent years, they have become a field of work that is not properly regulated by the government; said #Mrukuz Home Health Services, one of the organizations involved in the sector.

When the organization was established 4 years ago, it was established with the aim of caring for patients who were ordered to do their remaining treatment at home after receiving treatment at medical institutions, Ato Dagnachew Tamrat, the manager of the organization, told us.

Is home medical services, as a service, a business sector that operates under a legal framework? Do you have a legal license? Ato Dagnachew replied that it is a business that operates under a license issued by the Food and Drug Administration; however, most of them operate this business as a business without obtaining any license and without paying the required taxes; this also makes us vulnerable because we rent a house, hire professionals and pay taxes; We have appealed to the relevant government bodies, starting from the Health Bureau, but they have not listened.

The manager told us that the home health service costs 1,800-2,000 birr for 24-hour health care.

They also said that we charge less for those who call us for short-term care.

The manager said that they will sign a contract with the patient to ensure that the health professional can do his job safely and that the patient can get the service he requested. 

We heard from the manager that the home health service organization, Mürkuz, is currently able to reach up to 10 people per day with more than 20 permanent and temporary medical professionals.