The Federal Government of Somalia has ushered in a transformative phase in the nation’s healthcare system with the inauguration of the country’s largest Emergency Care Center at Mogadishu’s Medina General Hospital.
At the launch event, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing that initiatives like these will also provide employment opportunities. “This facility will be instrumental in treating and supporting the Somali army and civilians impacted by ongoing conflicts with Al-Shabab,” he stated.
The newly opened state-of-the-art Emergency Care Center, which accommodates 200 patients requiring urgent medical attention, is designed to support individuals affected by both natural disasters and conflict-related injuries. This launch marks a significant improvement from the previous emergency department at Madina Hospital, which held only a few beds, far removed from the operating rooms.
The establishment of this center follows two years after the tragic Zoobe-2 explosion that claimed numerous lives in Mogadishu. Reflecting on the tragedy, PM Barre reaffirmed the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the healthcare system, including the establishment of a dedicated blood bank, an emergency response unit, and upgrades across several medical facilities.
Constructed with funds collected by the National Emergency Committee, which includes multiple federal ministries, the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), and civil society organizations, the new facility is a product of collaboration and community support. Somalia’s Health Minister, Dr. Ali Haji Adam, extended his appreciation to all contributors, noting the center’s vital role in ensuring timely access to emergency medical services.
Dignitaries at the inauguration included government ministers, parliament members, community leaders, police, business representatives, bank officials, and families affected by the Zoobe-2 incident. However, the poor condition of the access road to the hospital remains an obstacle, as it currently restricts vehicular access.
