When 25-year-old Osman Hassan Ali’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2024, he discovered that no facilities in Puntland’s Nugal region could help her.
For three months, Osman’s family visited Garowe hospitals daily, hoping to secure the medical care his critically ill mother required. However, they were unable to obtain the comprehensive treatment locally that could save her life.
“We did everything we could, but nothing worked,” Osman told Radio Ergo.
In July, the family decided to take their mother to India for treatment. Tests there revealed her case was severe and was beyond treatment. After surgery, doctors advised there was little more they could do for her: “They told us, ‘Don’t pay any more for this person. She can live for six months.’”
The family chose to remain in India to protect their mother’s fragile emotional state, despite the financial strain, and she died in September. By then, the family had spent $45,000 on her medical expenses.
The case highlights the extent to which Puntland’s medical facilities are struggling to meet the needs of patients with serious health conditions. Osman attributes their decision to leave Puntland to the poor quality of doctors and unreliable laboratory equipment, which he believes produced inaccurate results. He also criticized the standard of medication available locally.
Osman observed numerous other Puntlanders seeking treatment in India due to inadequate healthcare at home. Many struggled to cover the exorbitant hospital bills.
“Most people who come to India are from Puntland,” Osman remarked. “This proves that people do not have access to quality hospitals, doctors, or medicine. That’s why we left the country. We lost trust in our own system.”
Cancer cases, in particular, prompt many Puntlanders to seek treatment overseas in India, as well as Malaysia, Turkey, and Ethiopia.
A recent study by the SIDRA Research Institute in Garowe raised concerns about the quality of medicines, the experience of healthcare workers, and the need for improved equipment safety regulations.
Among those critical of Puntland’s healthcare infrastructure is Abdinur Ahmed Ali, who suffered adverse effects after being prescribed incorrect medication.
In December 2024, Abdinur underwent two surgeries in India to rectify complications caused by the wrong medicine. He argues that insufficient quality assurance for medicines and medical equipment undermines the quality of healthcare in Puntland. While acknowledging the presence of skilled doctors, he emphasizes their need for better support and resources to deliver adequate services.
Abdinur recounted how a doctor charged him $100 for a consultation but prescribed medication that worsened his condition. A second opinion confirmed the incorrect prescription.
Reflecting on his experiences, Abdinur notes the challenges faced by Somalis seeking medical care abroad, particularly visa restrictions. He advocates for developing local health services, acquiring modern equipment, and ensuring access to quality medicines so people don’t have to travel abroad.
“Instead of using our resources to improve local doctors and medicine, we spend them on travel costs—plane tickets and accompaniment fees. One sick person requires three escorts, creating additional burdens if essential medicines and equipment aren’t available domestically,” he said.
According to Puntland Ministry of Health, approximately 55 individuals embark on medical journeys abroad daily, underscoring the urgent demand for better healthcare. The SIDRA Research Institute recommends establishing hospitals equipped with modern health services to fulfil community needs at home.
Mohamed Salad, a researcher at SIDRA, stated that the study was shared with Puntland’s commercial entities to encourage investment in public health infrastructure. Such investment could enhance patient safety while presenting business opportunities.
“We demonstrated that creating a specialized hospital capable of generating significant revenue is feasible,” Mohamed explained. “Our goal is to highlight health financing as a viable economic venture.”
Official statistics from Puntland Ministry of Health in August 2024 reveal that over 19,800 patients annually seek medical services outside the region, citing local hospitals’ inability to manage their conditions.
