In a significant move to assess and improve healthcare services in Somalia’s Southwest region, a high-level delegation led by the Southwest State Minister of Health, Mohamed Ismail Haji Abdi Jidow, recently visited the Bay Regional Hospital in Baidoa. The delegation included the Director-General of the Ministry of Health, advisors to the President, and other officials from the Southwest State government.
Bay Regional Hospital, established in the 1930s during the Italian colonial era, stands as the largest healthcare facility in the Southwest regions of Bay, Bakool, and Gedo. It serves patients from across these areas, playing a crucial role in providing essential medical services to the local population.
Upon their arrival, the delegation conducted a comprehensive tour of the hospital’s various departments, closely examining the operational conditions and the quality of services provided to patients. Abdifatah Ibrahim, the hospital’s director, welcomed the visiting officials and expressed gratitude on behalf of the staff and management for the high-level attention being given to the facility.
“It is a great honor for us to have such a distinguished delegation, led by the Minister of Health and advisors to the President, visit our hospital today,” Ibrahim stated. “This visit demonstrates the government’s commitment to understanding the challenges we face and exploring ways to enhance the healthcare services we provide to the people of Southwest Somalia.”
During the tour, the delegation witnessed firsthand the hospital’s current state, including its aging infrastructure and the need for modernization. Built nearly a century ago, the facility has undergone various phases of operation over the decades, adapting to the changing needs of the region.
Acknowledging the hospital’s historical significance and its vital role in serving the local community, the Southwest State Ministry of Health has developed comprehensive plans for its renovation and expansion. As part of these efforts, a new wing has already been constructed, marking the initial phase of the revitalization project.
“Our goal is to completely transform the existing building and infrastructure of the Bay Regional Hospital,” stated Minister Mohamed Ismail Haji Abdi Jidow. “This historic institution deserves a modern and well-equipped facility that can provide quality healthcare services to the people of Southwest Somalia.”
The delegation’s visit highlights the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring access to quality medical services for all citizens. By engaging with local stakeholders and assessing the current situation, the authorities aim to develop targeted strategies and allocate resources to address the pressing needs of the Bay Regional Hospital and other healthcare facilities in the region.
As Somalia continues its path towards development and reconstruction, initiatives like this underscore the importance of prioritizing healthcare as a key pillar of progress. By investing in modern facilities and enhancing the capabilities of medical professionals, the Southwest State government aims to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system that can effectively serve the needs of its people.
