Debrebirhan May 07/2013 Expansion of the Debreberhan referral hospital in North Shoa Zone of Amhara State is being carried out with over 350 million Birr, hospital medical director, Dr. Fiseha Tadesse said. During a recent visit of Health Minister Dr. Keseteberhan Admassu to the hospital, the director said that the hospital has been giving services to the public for the last 76 years. Dr. Fiseha said the expansion work is aimed at providing improved health service to the increasing number of the public in the area. He said the expansion work is scheduled to be finalized during the next six years. So far the first phase of the expansion work is already finalized. Upon completion of the expansion work the hospital, which will have over 300 beds, outpatient, delivery, emergency and surgical wards, among others, will benefit more than 2.4 million people in the zone and different neighbouring woredas of Afar and Oromia States. The budget for implementation of the expansion work is secured from the regional health bureau and the Ministry of Health, the public and the hospital itself, the director said. Dr. Keseteberhan on his part said the Ministry will provide the necessary support towards success of the expansion work. Zonal Chief and Board Chairperson of the Hospital, Eshete Asfaw on the occasion urged residents to contribute share towards success of the expansion work.