EU MPs visit institutions in Mekele,Wukro towns

Mekele, May 13, 2006 (WIC) - A delegation of European Union MPs reportedly visited various institutions in Mekele and Wukro towns of Tigray state in the middle of the week.

The two-day visit of the MPs led by Tjon-A-TEN was aimed at getting first hand information on activities carried out in health, population and women affairs,according to the Public Relations and Audiovisual Department Head of the state administration.The delegation paid the visit from May 10 to 11.

The MPs visited Mekele Hospital which was built to serve 20,000 people but is providing services far beyond its capacity catering for more than 200,000 people,the Department Head Niguse Gebrekidan disclosed.

The hospital ,according to the administrators,is faced with serious problem as it could not provide sufficient services owing to shortage of budget and professionals as well as medical appliances.

He said the delegation also visited and comforted women who came to Hamlin fistula hospital for treatment all the way from Amhara and Afar states.

The MPs also observed the activities of the Northern Branch Office of the Ethiopian Family Guidance Association and the socio economic problems in the state due to the imbalance of population growth.

They also saw the encouraging activities of the Tigray Women's Association ,Organization for Social services against AIDS ,Niguse said.

The MPs who toured Wukro town and the health service provision and related problems also learned about the various development activities being carried out by the Kelte Awlalo woreda farmers, the Head added.