Rehabilitation centres in Ethiopia, particularly those providing prosthetic, orthotic, and physical therapy services, are facing unprecedented crises that highlight the fragility of the country's social safety nets. Federal lawmakers have criticized the Ministry of Health for neglecting these institutions, pointing to declining service quality, long waiting times, and operational dysfunction.
Rehabilitation centres in Ethiopia, particularly those providing prosthetic, orthotic, and physical therapy services, are facing unprecedented crises that expose the fragility of the country's social safety nets. Federal lawmakers have openly criticized the Ministry of Health (MoH) for neglecting these institutions, citing deteriorating service quality, long waiting times, and mounting operational dysfunction.
These centres are grappling with a crisis of capacity and care, buckling under a rising tide of demand and dwindling human resources. The health system's sidelining of the disabled has exacerbated the situation, leaving many without adequate support. This convergence of challenges underscores vulnerabilities in Ethiopia's social safety mechanisms.
Lawmakers' criticism highlights the urgent need for attention to these vital services, as the Ministry of Health has not yet responded to the concerns raised. The article, published on November 16, 2025, by Yitbarek Getachew for Fortune, draws on these facts to illustrate the strain on disabled individuals' access to care.