Sunday March 30, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL)  — Dr. Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan, a Somali physician practicing in the United Kingdom, has travelled to Somalia’s Puntland region to support local medical teams treating soldiers wounded in battles against Islamic State militants in the mountainous Al Miskaad region.

Dr. Mohamed described the local hospitals’ capabilities and highlighted specific areas needing improvement:

“Hospital care, medication, medical examinations, and meals are all provided free of charge. Initial assistance is readily available when a soldier is injured, but we face significant challenges performing brain and spinal surgeries locally,” he told the BBC.

He also emphasized the difficulty medical professionals face due to the absence of accurate patient medical records, an issue compounded by Somalia’s nomadic lifestyle:

“The biggest issue is the lack of medical data. Somalis are traditionally nomadic, making it difficult to obtain records on conditions such as hypertension or other illnesses. Patients can describe their visible injuries, but hidden conditions could easily go unnoticed,” Dr. Mohamed explained.

Although praising the commitment and skill of local doctors, Dr. Mohamed acknowledged severe limitations in infrastructure and equipment:

“Our hospitals struggle with equipment quality and infrastructure. Our doctors are committed, and their expertise is commendable, but inadequate facilities and a lack of robust systems present major challenges,” he said.

Dr. Mohamed also called on the government and the public to prioritize healthcare improvements, contrasting Somalia’s healthcare facilities with its thriving hospitality sector:

“Healthcare is fundamental to life. We have luxurious hotels in Somalia, yet when someone needs urgent medical evacuation, they must be airlifted abroad,” he added.

The Puntland government, recognizing these challenges amid ongoing clashes with ISIS militants, established a special committee to ensure soldiers receive timely medical care. President Said Abdullahi Deni appointed the committee to address urgent medical support for injured personnel.

International assistance has contributed significantly to local healthcare infrastructure improvements. Germany recently provided more than €2 million to expand and renovate Garowe General Hospital. Additionally, UNICEF has supported 43 healthcare centers across the Mudug and Nugal regions, providing essential medical care to over 700,000 residents.

– With files from the BBC Somali Service