Alert - Department of General Surgery

Department of Internal Medicine


Message from the Head of Department of Department of Internal Medicine


" As the Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, I am honored to lead a dedicated team of healthcare professionals committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered, and specialized medical care. Our department plays a pivotal role in managing a wide spectrum of diseases, ranging from chronic conditions to acute and critical illnesses, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care. Since our formal establishment in 2012 G.C., the Department of Internal Medicine has evolved from a collection of specialized horizontal services—primarily focused on HIV/AIDS care, tuberculosis management, and chronic disease treatment—into a multidisciplinary unit offering specialized services in cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, gastroenterology, and general internal medicine. Each year, we serve over 50,000 patients, with a strong focus on outpatient care, chronic disease management, and inpatient services. Despite growing patient needs and limited resources, our team remains highly committed to delivering evidence-based, compassionate care. We also play an essential role in training future healthcare professionals through partnerships with Addis Ababa University and the Research and Training Directorate at ALERT, contributing to medical education, research, and specialized training programs at both national and international levels. We take great pride in the collaborative efforts of our team, which includes specialists, subspecialists, general practitioners, clinical nurses, patient support staff, and administrative personnel. Their unwavering dedication, expertise, and commitment to patient care continue to drive positive health outcomes and shape the future of internal medicine in Ethiopia. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our medical staff, hospital leadership, and external partners, whose ongoing support enables us to fulfill our mission. Together, we will continue to expand our services, embrace medical advancements, and uphold ALERT’s vision of being a national center of excellence in healthcare. "

Dr. Yabsira Desta
(M.D, Internal Medicine specialist)
 Head, Department of Internal Medicine Alert Comprehensive Specialized Hospital

Historical Background

The Department of Internal Medicine, operating under the oversight of the General Medical Service Directorate and the overall guidance of the CEO of ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, was officially established as a cohesive unit in 2012 G.C. Prior to this formal establishment, the healthcare landscape primarily featured specialized horizontal services. These services were predominantly focused on specialized areas such as HIV/AIDS care, treatment, prevention, as well as Tuberculosis services. These essential healthcare provisions were administered by a dedicated team of internists and general practitioners. As an integral part of ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, the Department of Internal Medicine continues to evolve, adapting to the dynamic landscape of medical advancements and the changing healthcare needs of the community it serves. The commitment to excellence and patient-centered care remains at the forefront of the department's mission, ensuring that individuals receive the highest quality of medical attention and support.

Yearly Performance

  • The department of internal medicine serves over fifty thousand individuals annually, focusing on outpatient services with more than thirty thousand benefiting from referral chronic care services and an additional ten thousand receiving follow-up services from specialists and subspecialists.
  • The department provides essential HIV/AIDS care, treatment, and prevention services, impacting the lives of more than 7602 patients, and manages multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) cases in collaboration with St. Peter Hospital, benefiting a total of 1015 patients.
  • In addition to outpatient initiatives, the department has been instrumental in meeting the needs of over ten thousand patients through inpatient services.

Qualifications & Number of Health Professionals

    Overview of Team Composition (As of November 2023)
    • The department is comprised of a diverse and cohesive team of professionals working in harmony to fulfill the hospital's goals, mission, and vision.
    • Operating under the direct supervision of department heads, our dedicated team includes:
      • Cardiologists
      • Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
      • Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Subspecialist
      • Internists
      • Neurologists
      • General Practitioners
      • Family Medicine Residents
      • Clinical Nurses
      • Patient Support Staff
      • Janitors
      • Adherence Supporters
      • Case Managers
      • Data Clerks

Number of Beds

Our facilities include 50 general ward beds, 22 beds specifically designated for Multidrug and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, and, in collaboration with the Emergency and Critical Care Department, an additional 25 inpatient beds. This collective effort results in a total of 97 beds dedicated to delivering comprehensive inpatient services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of our patients.

Teaching/ Training Services

In partnership with Addis Ababa University, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, the Department of Family Medicine plays a pivotal role in instructing resident students within the department, contributing to their educational journey. The Internal Medicine Department collaborates to conduct morning sessions three times a week, specifically on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Additionally, the department actively engages in at least one weekly seminar. Moreover, through collaboration with the Research and Training Directorate of ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, the department is currently at the forefront of delivering both international and national training programs. These encompass diverse areas such as HIV/AIDS care, treatment, and prevention, Tuberculosis management, ethics and medicolegal considerations, Emergency and Critical Care, as well as pulmonary function tests. This collaborative approach underscores our commitment to education, research, and training, ensuring that our team remains at the forefront of medical advancements and contributes meaningfully to healthcare development.

Service Hours.

The department offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including inpatient care, outpatient care, emergency services, and interdepartmental consultation services.

Services provided by the department

The Department of Internal Medicine at ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital offers a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services, including:

  • Outpatient and Chronic Care Services
  • Inpatient Services
  • Specialized Internal Medicine Services
  • Emergency & Critical Care Support
  • Preventive and Screening Services
  • Interdepartmental Consultations
  • Training & Research Participation