The Ethio-American Doctors Group has issued a detailed response to public concerns regarding its planned Medical City Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The group of over 350 diaspora physicians and health professionals addressed two specific points that have circulated in public discourse: questions about financial capacity to complete the project and claims about lack of progress on the allotted land.
Regarding financial readiness, EADG stated it has already invested over USD $12 million of its own capital into the project. This funding supported critical early phases including the installation of approximately 1,000 reinforced concrete piles for the foundation by 2019. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia appraised the total project value at that time to be USD $12 million. The group also completed all architectural and engineering designs for the entire hospital campus, making the project fully planned and "shovel-ready." EADG emphasized it had secured partnerships and pledges from reputable international institutions and private investors, demonstrating that funding was in place for construction and equipping of the hospital.
EADG categorically denied allegations that it attempted to sell any portion of the land allocated for the Medical City Center project. The group explained that under Ethiopian law, it had no authority to sell the leased land, nor did it ever seek to do so. The misunderstanding may have arisen from transparent efforts to attract local investors and construction partners to participate in the project—a common and lawful practice intended to strengthen the financial and technical capacity required to develop the entire Medical City Center.
Significant progress has been made on the project according to EADG. The group leased a 15-hectare site in the Lemi-Kura sub-city of Addis Ababa in 2019 for development of a comprehensive medical campus. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on April 20, 2017, with attendance from former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. By October 2020, the entire foundation work for the hospital had been completed. EADG has consistently met all obligations including timely payment of annual land lease fees and full compliance with permit requirements.
Major delays have resulted from administrative and procedural blockages rather than lack of effort or funding. Since 2020, repeated attempts to renew necessary building permits and secure final approvals have encountered prolonged bureaucratic hurdles including lost paperwork, turnover in relevant offices, and periods of inaction beyond EADG's control. The group formally submitted a request to the Ministry of Health on December 24, 2021, seeking collaboration under a Public-Private Partnership model so the institution could remain a national asset.
EADG emphasized its commitment extends beyond this project, with over 40% of its 350+ diaspora physician members already actively involved in service to Ethiopia's health sector. Members routinely travel to Ethiopia to conduct free medical camps, specialist training workshops for local doctors, and donate vital medical supplies and equipment to hospitals in need. The planned Medical Campus represents an extension of this mission—a long-term infrastructure commitment to amplify impact on the country's health system.
The group expressed concern that, without appropriate government action, their dream project is on the verge of dying despite having laid the groundwork and being ready to proceed with construction for years. More information about EADG's mission and activities can be found at https://ethioamericandoctors.com.
