Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, has shown steady progress in enhancing its national healthcare system. Despite facing economic and infrastructural challenges, the government has prioritized public health through hospital renovations, doctor training programs, and expanded access to primary and specialized care. Major cities such as Asmara, Keren, and Massawa host hospitals offering comprehensive services ranging from maternity care and pediatrics to surgical interventions and chronic disease management.
This blog explores the best Hospitals in Eritrea—20 of the country’s most reputable and accessible healthcare institutions. Each hospital profile provides detailed information about its services, specializations, bed and doctor capacity, and real patient testimonials.
1. Orotta National Referral Hospital – Asmara
Beds: 450+
Doctors: ~500
Specialties: Surgery, emergency medicine, internal medicine, cardiology
Eritrea’s premier teaching and referral hospital, Orotta is the backbone of the public healthcare system. With one of the country’s largest medical staffs, it serves as a training site for medical students and provides comprehensive emergency, surgical, and chronic illness care.
Patient Testimonial:
“I had heart surgery here and received excellent care from start to finish.” — Abraham Tsegai, Asmara
2. Halibet Hospital – Asmara
Beds: 300
Doctors: ~350
Specialties: General surgery, gynecology, nephrology
One of the country’s oldest public hospitals, Halibet is known for its surgical team, maternity ward, and renal care programs. Its diagnostic lab is one of the most reliable in the country.
Patient Testimonial:
“They managed my kidney condition professionally and always explained everything clearly.” — Selam Dawit, Asmara
3. Sembel Hospital – Asmara
Beds: 200
Doctors: ~250
Specialties: Pediatrics, OB-GYN, diagnostics, outpatient care
A popular mid-sized hospital offering quality maternal and child health services, as well as basic surgical procedures. Its outpatient clinics are among the busiest in the capital.
Patient Testimonial:
“I delivered my son here and felt completely safe the entire time.” — Mina Solomon, Asmara
4. Berhan Aini National Eye Hospital – Asmara
Beds: 80
Doctors: ~60
Specialties: Ophthalmology, cataract surgery, vision screening
This is Eritrea’s top hospital for vision care and eye surgery. It’s a referral center for patients with cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision impairments.
Patient Testimonial:
“I had cataract surgery and can now see clearly for the first time in years.” — Kidane Ghebremedhin, Asmara
5. Keren Regional Referral Hospital – Keren
Beds: 150
Doctors: ~180
Specialties: General medicine, maternal care, emergency services
Keren’s main hospital offers both emergency and routine care to the surrounding region. Its maternal care unit is especially active and well-staffed.
Patient Testimonial:
“They helped me during a complicated delivery and treated me like family.” — Hirut Estifanos, Keren
6. Massawa Hospital – Massawa
Beds: 120
Doctors: ~130
Specialties: Emergency care, infectious disease, outpatient clinics
This coastal hospital serves both the city of Massawa and surrounding rural areas. It has strengthened its infectious disease response capacity and maternal care services.
Patient Testimonial:
“During a severe infection, their doctors were quick to act and very skilled.” — Merhawi Hagos, Massawa
7. Assab General Hospital – Assab
Beds: 100
Doctors: ~100
Specialties: Family medicine, outpatient care, minor surgery
The main hospital in Eritrea’s southern region, Assab General provides community health services and essential outpatient care.
Patient Testimonial:
“I go here for regular checkups and vaccinations—reliable and respectful staff.” — Leul Tekle, Assab
8. Barentu Hospital – Barentu
Beds: 110
Doctors: ~120
Specialties: Pediatrics, internal medicine, diagnostics
Serving western Eritrea, Barentu Hospital delivers pediatric care, chronic disease management, and some surgical procedures.
Patient Testimonial:
“My son had pneumonia, and they monitored him until full recovery. I’m grateful.” — Freweini Debesay, Barentu
9. Mendefera Referral Hospital – Mendefera
Beds: 140
Doctors: ~160
Specialties: Surgery, maternal care, diagnostics
Located in Eritrea’s southern region, this hospital supports maternal health, emergency response, and surgery. It has grown into a key regional care provider.
Patient Testimonial:
“They helped deliver my child safely even during a power outage. Truly dedicated.” — Aster Yohannes, Mendefera
10. Ghinda Hospital – Ghinda
Beds: 100
Doctors: ~110
Specialties: Pediatrics, internal medicine, diagnostics
A mid-sized hospital offering pediatric consultations, basic surgeries, and outpatient care.
Patient Testimonial:
“Their nurses were always kind and reassuring during my son’s treatment.” — Elsa Weldemichael, Ghinda
11. Dekemhare General Hospital – Dekemhare
Beds: 130
Doctors: ~140
Specialties: Emergency services, chronic care, maternity
This hospital is known for its focus on chronic disease management and maternal health in the southern highlands.
Patient Testimonial:
“They cared for my elderly father with diabetes with patience and skill.” — Nahom Mebrahtu, Dekemhare
12. Adi Quala District Hospital – Adi Quala
Beds: 100
Doctors: ~90
Specialties: General care, pediatrics, outpatient medicine
Adi Quala Hospital is essential for rural residents needing consistent and affordable care.
Patient Testimonial:
“They are always ready to help, even during the night shift.” — Selam Kidane, Adi Quala
13. Tesseney Hospital – Tesseney
Beds: 120
Doctors: ~100
Specialties: Internal medicine, surgery, infectious disease
Situated near the Sudanese border, this hospital is a key regional hub for emergencies and endemic disease treatment.
Patient Testimonial:
“They treated me for typhoid quickly and thoroughly.” — Goitom Estifanos, Tesseney
14. Hagaz Health Center – Hagaz
Beds: 80
Doctors: ~70
Specialties: Maternal health, outpatient clinics
This district-level health center is vital for community-level maternal and preventive care.
Patient Testimonial:
“The midwives here are wonderful and helped me with postnatal care too.” — Nardos Hailu, Hagaz
15. Akordat General Hospital – Akordat
Beds: 90
Doctors: ~85
Specialties: Family medicine, diagnostics, infectious diseases
Located in the western region, it is equipped for managing epidemics and rural health support.
Patient Testimonial:
“They managed my treatment with kindness and attention.” — Medhanie Tsegay, Akordat
16. Foro Rural Hospital – Foro
Beds: 70
Doctors: ~60
Specialties: Basic surgical care, outpatient consultations
A small facility that offers quality rural medical attention.
Patient Testimonial:
“Their outpatient doctor listened carefully and treated my illness with great care.” — Ghidey Tekleab, Foro
17. Senafe Hospital – Senafe
Beds: 100
Doctors: ~95
Specialties: Obstetrics, diagnostics, internal medicine
Senafe provides reliable services for southern border communities.
Patient Testimonial:
“I had a safe delivery and felt supported by all the nurses.” — Haben Ghebrezgi, Senafe
18. Asmara Military Hospital – Asmara
Beds: 150
Doctors: ~170
Specialties: Emergency care, trauma, surgery
Primarily for defense personnel but also assists during public health crises.
Patient Testimonial:
“They helped me during an accident with fast and professional care.” — Mussie Tesfay, Asmara
19. Elaberet Hospital – Elaberet
Beds: 85
Doctors: ~80
Specialties: Internal medicine, maternity, general surgery
Known for its strong community ties and rural healthcare services.
Patient Testimonial:
“I bring my children here for regular care—they’re always friendly and skilled.” — Mehret Abraha, Elaberet
20. Afabet Hospital – Afabet
Beds: 95
Doctors: ~90
Specialties: Outpatient medicine, diagnostics, general treatment
A key hospital in the northern Red Sea region, serving both emergencies and preventive care.
Patient Testimonial:
“Even in remote areas, they never compromise on care.” — Rahel Tesfom, Afabet
Conclusion
Eritrea’s healthcare system continues to evolve with a growing network of hospitals committed to serving its people. These best Hospitals in Eritrea reflect the nation’s resilience, dedication, and long-term investment in healthcare. Whether you’re seeking emergency treatment, maternal support, or chronic care, these institutions stand ready to provide compassionate and professional services across the country.