Somalia: Puntland Health Minister Inspects Dhahar Hospital During Regional Tour

DHAHAR, Somalia — Puntland Health Minister H.E. Mohamad Abdirahman Mohamed inspected Dhahar District Hospital and other health facilities in the Haylaan region on Wednesday as part of a regional tour to assess medical services and identify healthcare needs.

Mohamed was accompanied by State Minister for Health Ali Mohamed Osman. The delegation was received by Haylaan regional governor Mohamed Farah Issa and Dhahar district mayor Bashir Mohamed Issa, according to a statement from the Puntland administration.

The minister began his visit at the Haylaan regional administration headquarters, where he met local officials and traditional elders to discuss healthcare services, community needs and cooperation between the health ministry and local authorities.

He later visited Dhahar District Hospital and several other health facilities to assess their operations and the medical services available to residents.

Hospital administrators and healthcare workers briefed the delegation on the condition of the facilities, the services they provide and plans to improve the quality of care.

The minister urged healthcare workers to strengthen patient care, maintain service standards and increase public awareness of health issues. He emphasized the importance of providing residents with accessible, quality medical services.

The visit is part of the Puntland health ministry’s efforts to assess hospitals and health centers across the regional administration and strengthen coordination with local authorities.

Healthcare access remains a challenge in parts of Somalia, particularly in rural and remote communities where medical facilities and specialist services can be limited.

The minister’s delegation included Dr. Abdirisaaq Abshir Hirsi, director of primary health care; Abdirisaaq Mohamed Artan, director of planning and policies; Jama Ali Yusuf, director of health services; and Niciimo Nur Muse, head of the ministry’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program.

The ministry said the field visits are intended to help improve the availability and quality of health services across Puntland.

GAROWE ONLINE

Omar Nor is the chief editor of Garowe Online. He previously worked with CNN and TRT, covering news and developments in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, with a focus on politics, security and regional affairs.