Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia’s Ministry of Health has appointed Abdirisak Sharif Ali as the new director of Banaadir Mother & Child Hospital, replacing Fartun Sharif Mohamed following a widely shared video showing a pregnant woman giving birth outside the hospital after being denied care.
The incident sparked national outrage, highlighting serious concerns over access to maternal healthcare in the capital. The health ministry confirmed that disciplinary measures are being taken against night staff involved in the case, signaling a commitment to accountability and patient safety.
Hospital sources say the new director faces an immediate mandate to review internal procedures, strengthen emergency response, and ensure that no expectant mother is turned away again. Health officials emphasized that this leadership change is part of broader efforts to improve service delivery and restore public trust in critical maternal and child health services.
The ministry has called on healthcare workers across the country to uphold professional standards and prioritize patient care, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children. Community advocates have welcomed the move, urging swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ali steps into the role with the dual challenge of managing hospital operations while navigating public scrutiny, as families affected by the viral incident continue to demand justice and reforms.