Bosaso, Puntland – Dr. Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan, a British health professional of Puntland descent and a founding member of the Puntland First Movement, has travelled from London to Bosaso to support local medical teams treating soldiers injured in clashes with ISIS militants in the rugged Cal Miskaad mountains.
Dr. Mohamed, an advocate for the Puntland First Movement—which seeks to prioritise the region’s development—has been working alongside local doctors to address the growing healthcare demands spurred by the ongoing conflict.
Speaking to the BBC Somali, he praised the dedication of Puntland’s medical staff but highlighted significant gaps in infrastructure, equipment, and patient data that hinder effective treatment.
“Hospital care, medication, medical examinations, and meals are all provided free of charge. Initial assistance is readily available when a soldier is injured, but we face significant challenges performing brain and spinal surgeries locally,” Dr. Mohamed said. He noted that while basic care is accessible, advanced procedures remain out of reach due to limited facilities.
A key issue, he explained, is the absence of reliable medical records, a problem exacerbated by Puntland’s traditionally nomadic population. “The biggest issue is the lack of medical data. Puntland people are traditionally nomadic, making it difficult to obtain records on conditions such as hypertension or other illnesses. Patients can describe their visible injuries, but hidden conditions could easily go unnoticed,” he added.
Dr. Mohamed, who has experience in the UK’s advanced healthcare system, underscored the contrast between the commitment of local doctors and the tools at their disposal. “Our hospitals struggle with equipment quality and infrastructure. Our doctors are committed, and their expertise is commendable, but inadequate facilities and a lack of robust systems present major challenges,” he said.
A Call for Prioritisation
Beyond his medical work, Dr. Mohamed used his platform as a Puntland First advocate to urge both the government and the public to invest in healthcare. He pointed to a stark disparity between Somalia’s thriving hospitality industry and its lagging medical services. “Healthcare is fundamental to life. We have luxurious hotels in Somalia, yet when someone needs urgent medical evacuation, they must be airlifted abroad,” he said.
Puntland’s government has acknowledged these challenges as it battles a persistent insurgency from Islamic State militants in the Cal Miskaad region. President Said Abdullahi Deni recently established a special committee to ensure wounded soldiers receive prompt medical attention, a move seen as a response to the mounting toll of the conflict.
International Support
Efforts to bolster Puntland’s healthcare system have also drawn international aid. Germany recently contributed over €2 million to expand and renovate Garowe General Hospital, a key facility in the region. Meanwhile, UNICEF has supported 43 healthcare centres across the Mudug and Nugal regions, delivering essential care to more than 700,000 residents.
Despite these contributions, Dr. Mohamed stressed that systemic improvements—such as better equipment, training, and record-keeping—are critical to meeting the needs of both soldiers and civilians. His visit to Bosaso underscores the Puntland First Movement’s broader mission: to build a self-reliant region capable of addressing its own challenges, from security to public health.
As fighting continues in the mountains, the strain on Puntland’s medical infrastructure serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict—and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.