IN a landmark development, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital in Mogadishu, named after the Turkish president, has introduced a new open-heart surgery department, signifying a deepening partnership between Turkey and Somalia in the healthcare sector.
The inauguration of the new department took place on Monday with a ceremony attended by officials from both the Turkish and Somali health ministries, underscoring the collaborative efforts behind this initiative.
Somali Health Minister Ali Haji Adan expressed his pride in the opening of this vital service, stating, ‘It is a great honour for me to participate in the opening of an important service to the Somali community.’ He highlighted the challenges faced by patients needing open-heart surgery, including high costs, visa procedures, and accessibility to specialised healthcare.
Manager of the hospital, Mevlut Karatas, emphasised the significance of the new department, stating that Somali heart patients will no longer have to seek medical treatment abroad. He also announced plans to expand the hospital’s services to include paediatrics, gynaecology, cancer treatment, and other healthcare facilities.
The open-heart surgeries will be conducted by Somali doctors equipped with modern medical technology. Additionally, seven specialists from Turkey will assist in the initial surgeries, showcasing the depth of collaboration between the two nations.
Previously, Somali patients had to travel to countries like India, Kenya, and Turkey for essential medical procedures such as open-heart surgery, organ transplants, cancer treatment, and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Turkey’s substantial investments in Somalia’s education, infrastructure, healthcare, and humanitarian aid have strengthened the bond between the two nations.
Turkey’s commitment to Somalia is reflected in its significant presence in Mogadishu, including its largest embassy in Africa and the construction of its largest overseas military facility to support the training of the Somali national army. The launch of the open-heart surgery department at Erdogan Hospital underscores Turkey’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality in Somalia through strategic partnerships and investments.
(with Anadolu)