President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro of Somaliland has donated ten kidney dialysis machines to Hargeisa General Hospital, significantly enhancing the hospital’s capacity to treat patients with kidney-related ailments. This donation addresses the pressing need for improved dialysis services in the region.
The Director General of Hargeisa Hospital, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Osman, expressed gratitude for the President’s prompt response to the hospital’s request. He highlighted that the hospital’s kidney department, previously equipped with machines dating back to 2014, was operating at full capacity, serving 150 patients.
An additional 20 patients were awaiting treatment due to limited resources. The new machines will help accommodate these patients and address the growing demand for dialysis services, driven by prevalent conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Hargeisa General Hospital, established in 1953, is the largest public hospital in Somaliland, with a capacity of 400 beds. The hospital’s kidney department comprises sections established by both the Somaliland government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In 2021, the UAE’s Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation inaugurated a kidney dialysis center in Hargeisa, benefiting over 30 patients daily.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. As of recent data, Somaliland had five dialysis units with a total of 34 hemodialysis machines, serving approximately 163 patients. The majority of these patients are treated in the capital, Hargeisa. Notably, the Sanaag region, which covers 35% of Somaliland’s land area, lacks any dialysis facilities.
The President’s donation is a significant step toward improving healthcare infrastructure in Somaliland. However, continued support from both governmental and non-governmental entities is essential to meet the increasing demand for dialysis services and to expand access across all regions.