The tragic murder of Dr. Andualem Dagne, head of the Surgical Services Department at Tebebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, has deeply shocked both the residents of Bahir Dar and the wider medical community. Dr. Andualem was shot and killed on Saturday night, an event that has sparked grief and concern among his colleagues and loved ones.

A Brilliant Mind and a Dedicated Physician

“He was a once-in-a-lifetime individual,” said one of his colleagues, describing Dr. Andualem’s exceptional character and academic achievements. His educational journey took him through three universities, and he was widely recognized for his intellect and dedication.

Another close friend emphasized his lifelong commitment to education, stating, “He spent 26 of his 37 years in school.” Many who knew him describe him as an extraordinary mind, one of the rare talents that emerge only occasionally.

Dr. Andualem’s colleagues, interviewed by BBC, highlighted his exceptional reputation—not only professionally but also in his personal life.

“If you want to know what true medicine looks like, just look at Dr. Andualem,” they said. He was highly skilled in all areas of his profession and deeply respected by his peers.

“He was compassionate and never turned away a patient,” said another friend, speaking about his dedication to patient care. “If you ask what a true doctor should be—someone who treats with both knowledge and kindness—it’s Dr. Andualem.”

A Vision for Ethiopia’s Healthcare

Dr. Yeshigeta Gelaw, Executive Director of Tebebe Ghion Hospital, revealed that Dr. Andualem’s dream was to establish a state-of-the-art cancer surgery center in Ethiopia.

“Our vision was to create a facility that not only provides high-quality treatment but also prioritizes humane patient care,” he said. Though they had not yet realized this dream, Dr. Andualem’s impact on Ethiopian healthcare was profound.

His tragic death has left a significant void in the medical field.

A Shocking and Tragic Attack

Dr. Andualem was killed on Saturday, January 24, 2017, in an area known as Koshe, just outside Bahir Dar. He was shot in the chest, and his murder has left the community in shock.

His death was especially unexpected. “We never imagined he would die like this. Perhaps after all of us had grown old… but not like this,” one friend lamented.

Dr. Andualem was a specialist in liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic surgery, a researcher, and a lecturer at Tebebe Ghion Specialized Hospital under Bahir Dar University. He had recently completed his specialization training at Addis Ababa University.

He was killed around 12:30 a.m. while returning to his residence (the hospital’s staff housing, located 10 km from Bahir Dar) after completing his part-time shift at Afilas Hospital.

A Pattern of Attacks Against Medical Professionals

According to sources, just minutes before Dr. Andualem was killed, another doctor had been attacked in a similar manner but managed to escape.

A colleague recounted the terrifying experience:

“An armed civilian tried to stop him on the road. Sensing danger, the doctor accelerated. His car was hit by three bullets, but thankfully, he was not injured.”

Dr. Andualem, however, was not as fortunate. Within minutes of this earlier attack, he was shot and killed.Despite early suspicions of a robbery, his personal belongings were untouched—his phone remained at the scene, and his car was left untouched. This has led many, including a senior Bahir Dar University official, to believe that the attack was targeted.

Escalating Insecurity for Healthcare Workers

The BBC previously reported that hospital staff had gone on strike for several days in response to escalating security concerns, citing repeated attacks, robberies, and threats against medical professionals.A hospital general services manager was also killed on hospital grounds just weeks before Dr. Andualem’s murder.

The killing of yet another doctor has intensified fear and panic among healthcare workers. “Doctors are leaving. Many are thinking about moving away,” said one medical professional. “There is no security, no justice. Healthcare workers are the ones suffering the most.” Another university employee echoed the sentiment: “Medical professionals are being prevented from doing their jobs. These repeated attacks are making it impossible for them to serve their communities.”

The Impact on Ethiopia’s Medical Sector

The murder of Dr. Andualem, which took place amid the ongoing conflict and security crisis in the Amhara region, has created a serious gap in the healthcare system. His loss is not just personal—it is a blow to Ethiopia’s medical community.

Funeral and Investigation

Dr. Andualem, who was married and a father of three, was laid to rest on Sunday, January 25, 2017, at Medhanialem Church in Bahir Dar. So far, no suspects have been arrested, and authorities have not made any charges in connection to his murder. The Bahir Dar City Police described the killing as being carried out by “unknown forces” and stated that an investigation is ongoing. However, many remain skeptical, fearing that justice may never be served.