HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn Post) The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has ordered the purchase of 15 new dialysis machines, free dialysis-related supplies for patients, and a nationwide hospital assessment following complaints over healthcare services at Hargeisa General Hospital.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) has announced a series of immediate measures aimed at improving healthcare services after public complaints by kidney dialysis patients at Hargeisa General Hospital sparked widespread national debate.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency of Somaliland, the decisions followed the president’s surprise inspection of the hospital, where he met hospital administrators, medical staff, and patients—particularly those receiving kidney dialysis treatment—to assess the challenges facing the country’s largest public hospital.
The announcement marks the government’s first comprehensive response since dialysis patients raised concerns about treatment conditions and medical costs.
Free Dialysis Supplies for Patients
President Irro ordered that all dialysis-related supplies and medications required during treatment be provided free of charge.
While kidney dialysis treatment had already been offered without charge, patients were previously responsible for purchasing certain medicines and essential consumable items used during the procedure.
The Presidency said those additional costs will now be eliminated.
Government Orders Purchase of 15 New Dialysis Machines
The president also directed authorities to immediately procure 15 new dialysis machines to expand treatment capacity and reduce pressure on the existing equipment.
The new machines are intended to:
- Increase the hospital’s dialysis capacity.
- Reduce waiting times for patients.
- Improve access to life-saving treatment.
- Ease the workload on existing equipment.
Nationwide Hospital Assessment
President Irro further established a technical committee tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of Hargeisa General Hospital and regional public hospitals across Somaliland.
The review will examine:
- Healthcare service delivery.
- Hospital management systems.
- Medical equipment.
- Infrastructure.
- Patient care.
- Kidney dialysis services.
The committee is expected to submit recommendations identifying both immediate priorities and long-term reforms for the country’s public healthcare system.
Presidency Reaffirms Commitment to Healthcare
The Presidency said the government remains committed to strengthening Somaliland’s public hospitals and improving healthcare services within available financial resources.
It added that the reforms are intended to improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide.
Opposition Parties Also Contribute
The dialysis issue has generated significant public and political attention.
In response to the shortages, the opposition KULMIYE Party donated two dialysis machines to Hargeisa General Hospital, with Kulmiye First Vice chairman Abdiaziz Samale, and Deputy President Candidate Mohamed Shine
The opposition KAAH Party also donated one dialysis machine, with Chairman Mahmoud Hashi Abdi calling on Somaliland’s business community to support patients by contributing additional medical equipment.
The donations came as public debate over healthcare services intensified, placing pressure on the government to respond to patients’ concerns.
Growing Focus on Public Healthcare
The dialysis controversy has evolved into one of Somaliland’s most widely discussed public policy issues, prompting action from both the government and opposition parties.
The president’s latest directives signal an effort to improve healthcare delivery while addressing longstanding concerns over medical equipment, patient care, and the capacity of Somaliland’s largest referral hospital.
