Otona Hospital faces service disruptions a year after fire, patients struggle

Residents and health professionals report that Otona Hospital, which suffered significant fire damage a year ago, remains unrepaired, causing severe distress for patients. Many medical diagnostic services are still unavailable, forcing patients to seek care in other cities or private institutions. Health workers claim that despite financial and material support from federal and regional entities, the reconstruction has inexplicably stalled. Although cleanup of the damaged building has recently commenced, the lack of full service restoration continues to hinder healthcare delivery. Tikvah Ethiopia attempted to obtain comments from Wolaita Sodo University and the South Ethiopia Regional Health Bureau but was unable to reach officials due to recent leadership reshuffles.