By DMLF Team
In a significant move for Ethiopia’s healthcare landscape, The Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives has approved the Health Service Administration Proclamation No. 1362/2017. This new legislation aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of health services. The new law introduces a host of progressive measures that promise to modernize healthcare and better meet the needs of its citizens.
One of the most notable aspects of this proclamation is its approach to end-of-life care. It sets forth clear guidelines for discontinuing life support for patients who are entirely reliant on machines for breathing. Such decisions can only be made under stringent conditions: when both heart and respiratory functions have irreversibly failed or when brain death has been definitively established. This careful consideration reflects a growing understanding of the importance of compassionate care for those facing terminal illnesses.
The Ministry of Health is expected to provide comprehensive guidelines to ensure these new measures are implemented effectively, focusing on supporting individuals with incurable conditions. This initiative marks a pivotal shift towards recognizing and addressing the complexities surrounding end-of-life issues in Ethiopia.
Additionally, the proclamation addresses organ donation, allowing individuals to voluntarily register as donors while ensuring their health is protected throughout the process. It also permits the use of deceased human remains for educational and research purposes, provided that consent was given during their lifetime. In cases where close relatives do not claim a body within seven days, it may be utilized for teaching or research after notifying relevant authorities. However, this provision respects family rights; relatives retain the ability to claim the body and arrange for burial if desired.
This legislation strikes a balance between advancing medical education and honoring cultural values and familial ties. By tackling sensitive topics such as physician-assisted death, organ donation, and technology-assisted reproduction, Ethiopia is taking significant strides toward aligning its healthcare system with global standards while remaining mindful of ethical considerations.
The “Health Service Administration Proclamation” represents a landmark development in Ethiopia’s healthcare history. It not only modernizes health services but also fosters an environment where patients’ rights and dignity are prioritized during some of life’s most challenging moments. As these changes unfold, they promise to create a more compassionate and responsive healthcare system that meets the diverse needs of all Ethiopians.
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By DMLF Team
In a pivotal move, the Ethiopian Parliament has approved Proclamation No. 1322/2024, which establishes guidelines for Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This legislation aims to enhance investment activities through a robust framework of support, including policies that streamline trade, bolster infrastructure, and improve amenities for investors.
Within these SEZs, a variety of specialized zones are set to emerge, such as industrial parks, free trade zones, science and technology centers, service parks, and agriculture and livestock areas. Both domestic and foreign investors interested in establishing operations will need to submit applications to the Ethiopian Investment Commission and secure the necessary investment permits.
The new SEZ Proclamation introduces a host of attractive incentives beyond the existing investment benefits. These include customs exemptions; zero-rate VAT on goods and services transported into SEZs, complete relief from domestic indirect taxes, duty-free imports for construction materials, and tax waivers on dividend income and salaries for foreign workers employed by export-oriented firms for a period of five years.
These initiatives are designed to stimulate foreign investment and promote job creation, establishing Ethiopia’s SEZs as competitive environments for businesses looking to expand and thrive.
To qualify, applicants must invest a minimum of $75 million, sourced through equity, debt, or a combination of both, and they need to allocate at least 75 hectares of land for development. The Industrial Parks Development Corporation will oversee land auctions for housing and infrastructure, while the Ethiopian Investment Commission will have the authority to designate public lands as SEZs.
The law broadens the scope of activities within SEZs, allowing for diverse sectors such as agriculture and services, aligning with Ethiopia’s broader development strategies. Additionally, foreign banks are permitted to operate branches within these zones, and exporters based in SEZs will benefit from prioritized access to various foreign currencies.
In summary, this proclamation not only enhances the investment landscape in Ethiopia but also offers a promising framework for creating vibrant economic hubs that attract both local and international enterprises.
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