Ethiopian Health Ministry tightens rules for overseas medical referrals

Patients traveling for transplant procedures must now show proof of at least 1.5 million Birr in bank deposits, while those seeking other medical treatments abroad need to demonstrate a minimum of 500,000 Birr. The directive specifies that patients can only receive Ministry permission for overseas treatment if their illness exceeds the capabilities of the Ethiopian health system, due to factors such as a lack of diagnostic equipment, specialists, long waiting times, or the infeasibility of sending biological samples abroad. Patients are also eligible for follow-up appointments overseas.

For transplant procedures, documentation confirming a formal agreement between the recipient and donor, and proof of the medical practitioner's competency, are required. All patients must first obtain certification from a medical board, comprising three to five medical professionals, established by a hospital's medical director, confirming the necessity of foreign travel for treatment. This board can also approve one attendant to accompany the patient, with up to two permitted under specific circumstances.

Only comprehensive or higher-tier hospitals can issue foreign medical referral certificates, though general hospitals may be authorized in special cases.