Hakimeme

In 2023/2024, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has reported a staggering 25.6 Billion Birr in pre-tax profits. This is the highest ever profit for the bank since its establishment. We are happy for our financial institutions which are making profits in billions.

However, for your surprise, Ethiopia’s annual health budget—allocated to serve the health needs of 110+ Million people, in the same year, was only 22.6 Billion Birr. Sadly, our health budget as a nation is less than an annual profit of a single local commercial bank. 🙈

The banks are proud of posting billions of birrs in profit in their annual report each year, while nation’s healers are struggling to afford basic needs.

It’s even insane to think that the government’s total health expenditure for its entire citizens could be less than a profit of a single state-owned commercial bank. Such developments clearly shows where the nation puts its priorities. And where it’s heading.

The government must rethink its priorities. Nation’s true prosperity couldn’t be achieved without giving adequate attention and investing heavily in the health sector.

Dr. Nuredin Luke