As part of a voluntary mission, five South Tyrolean craftsmen – members of the association World Doctors – worked for two weeks at the hospital in Attat, Ethiopia. With great professional expertise, dedication, and commitment, Peter Niederfriniger and Luis Spechtenhauser (electricians), Karl Telser (automotive mechanic), Isidor Grass (carpenter), and Bernd Gufler (hydraulic technician) provided help wherever it was most urgently needed.

The craftsmen’s team from the Vinschgau Valley has been traveling regularly to Attat since 2011. Over the years, the entire electrical supply system of the extensive hospital complex has been installed and continuously improved. Two large generators were transported directly from Italy to Attat and successfully connected to the power grid. Numerous washing machines and other medical devices also required repeated repairs. When the water supply was at risk of failing, a new well was drilled in time by the Association and the existing wells were restored by the technicians. In addition, a centralized water supply system was installed to connect the various water tanks, featuring automatic switching.

On every trip, the craftsmen bring valuable tools, which remain in the on-site workshop at the hospital. This workshop was set up by the craftsmen at the hospital several years ago and significantly facilitates the ongoing work. Furthermore, the hospital’s technical staff is trained during each mission.

This mission clearly demonstrates how indispensable technical support is for medical facilities, especially in countries with limited resources. The association World Doctors extends its sincere thanks to the dedicated craftsmen as well as to Dr. Rita Schiffer for her tireless work on site.