Somalia: Puntland Health Minister Pledges World-Class Hospital to Expand Medical Services
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Omar Nor, Chief Editor GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 03-11-2026, 12:30PM
GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland's health minister has pledged to establish a world-class hospital to provide advanced medical services that residents of the Federal State currently travel abroad to access.
Health Minister Mohamed Abdirahmaan Mohamed Faroole made the announcement while presenting a report on the ministry's performance, challenges and development plans to Puntland's parliament.
The minister appeared before lawmakers alongside State Minister Ali Mohamed Osman, the ministry's director general, advisers and other senior officials. The briefing covered efforts to improve healthcare facilities and expand services across Puntland's regions, districts and remote communities.
According to the ministry's report, Puntland has more than 436 healthcare facilities across its regions, playing a key role in delivering medical services to local communities.
He also outlined several initiatives undertaken by the ministry, including the establishment of a health professionals' council that has registered and certified more than 1,000 medical workers.
Other achievements included the implementation of a cost recovery policy, the preparation of a 2026-2030 health strategic plan and the establishment of the Puntland Public Health Institute.
During the session, lawmakers questioned ministry officials about the implementation of healthcare development plans, delays in extending services to remote areas and the number and qualifications of medical workers employed at health facilities across Puntland.
Responding to the questions, the minister said the ministry's plans included securing a world-class hospital capable of providing specialized treatment that currently forces many Puntland residents to seek medical care outside the region or abroad.
He also pledged to improve existing healthcare facilities and raise the quality of services available to the public.
The minister urged lawmakers to support increased funding for the health sector, saying additional resources were needed to strengthen medical services and address the healthcare needs of the population.
The meeting was part of the 59th session of Puntland's House of Representatives. It was chaired by Speaker Abdirisak Ahmed Said, alongside First Deputy Speaker Mohamed Baarri Shire and Second Deputy Speaker Mohamed Mahamud Esse.
Puntland, a Federal State in northeastern Somalia, has faced longstanding challenges in providing adequate healthcare, particularly in remote communities where access to medical facilities and trained personnel remains limited.
The proposed hospital would seek to reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for specialized treatment, although the ministry did not provide a construction timeline, location or estimated cost for the project.
GAROWE ONLINE
