01.11. - 2 - Speech of The Day - FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF DEJ. BALCHA HOSPITAL

FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF DEJ.

BALCHA HOSPITAL

Good health being one of man’s priceless possessions, We have continually stressed the importance of this condition together with the many elements of progress designed for the general welfare of Our people.

Our Health Programme has prospered and expanded considerably; but there is still much to be accomplished, and every effort in this direction is therefore commendable.

We are happy to be present, therefore, on this XV Anniversary of the Founding of the Dejazmatch Balcha Hospital, an occasion which manifests a concrete example of helpful co-operation between Ethiopia and a friendly nation. This hospital, which was established by Us in 1947, is the continuation of assistance given by the Soviet people that has its origin over half a century ago.

The Ethiopian people were grateful then and are still grateful for the assistance given for this noble and humane activity. The work carried on here, in which the Union of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the Soviet Union co-operate so effectively with Our Ministry of Public Health, is a concerted translation of the traditional friendship existing between the two countries.

As reported by Professor Gorbadei, the Director of this hospital, it is of particular significance that the Ethiopian personnel are being trained as close assistants to the Soviet doctors in order to raise their medical ability. No better work can be done by a professional person than to help his fellowmen through his knowledge and skill.

We hope that those trained in this hospital will acquire sufficient ability to help their compatriots in all fields of medicine.

Deserving of mention is the summary of the results of their medical and pathological investigations published by the Dejazmatch Balcha Hospital on this XV anniversary.

We do not wish this occasion to pass without mentioning the generous donation made by the Soviet Government to the memorial Hospital of Our Beloved son Prince Makonnen Haile Selassie in prompt fulfilment of the promise made to Us.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Soviet Red Crescent Society for the genuine help given to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society which is headed by Our beloved son Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen, as its President.

We thank the representative of the Executive Committee of the Union of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the U.S.S.R., the Director and staff of the hospital, Your Excellency the Ambassador, and all those who have or who are now contributing to the success of this institution, dedicated to cater to the medical and surgical needs of its patients. Our greetings are extended personally to Professor Miterev, Chairman of the Society, and to the great Soviet People We send Our best wishes for peace and prosperity.

Nov. 1, 1962.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 548 -