Addis Ababa Warns Health Facilities of Licence Revocations After October

June 16, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Thousands of health facilities in Addis Ababa could lose their legal right to operate if they fail to renew their licences by October 10, 2026, as city regulators move to tighten compliance across the healthcare sector.

The Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority said institutions that miss the final deadline will have their competency certificates or operating licences revoked, making them ineligible to continue providing health services. The measure applies to both public and private facilities operating in the capital.

According to Tadesse Wordofa, director of Health Institutions and Health Professionals Competency Assurance at the Authority, facilities that do not complete the renewal process during the regular registration period will be allowed to renew with penalties during an additional one-month window extending to September 30. Beyond that date, licences will be cancelled, he told Bisrat Radio.

The warning comes as the Authority begins the annual renewal exercise for the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year. More than 4,000 health institutions have been instructed to complete their renewals through the online licensing system between Hamle 1 and Nehase 30.

Alongside the renewal campaign, regulators are also reminding facilities to keep their workforce records up to date. Health institutions are required to notify the Authority whenever medical professionals are hired or leave their positions.

Officials also cautioned facilities against employing professionals who have remained outside their field of practice for more than two years without first updating their professional licences. The requirement is intended to ensure that healthcare workers maintain valid credentials before returning to practice.

The Authority said the renewal process and related compliance requirements are mandatory for all licensed health facilities operating in Addis Ababa during the new fiscal year.