Somalia’s Health Minister Dismisses Banadir Hospital Director Following Scandal Over Negligence Incident
The Minister of Health and Human Services of the Federal Government of Somalia, Dr. Ali Haji Adam, has officially dismissed the Director of Banadir Hospital, Ms. Fartuun Sharif, following a public outcry over a recent incident that took place at the Banadir Mother and Child Hospital in Mogadishu.
The decision follows a disturbing case in which a woman in labour was reportedly denied medical assistance and forced to give birth outside the hospital’s main gate. The incident, which spread widely on social media, provoked public outrage and calls for accountability from citizens, activists, and civil society groups demanding urgent reforms in the health sector.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ali Haji Adam said the move was made in direct response to the tragedy and the need for immediate reform within one of the country’s most critical healthcare institutions.
“The Minister, while acknowledging the seriousness of the incident that occurred at Banadir Mother and Child Hospital and recognizing the urgent need for administrative reform, has appointed Mr. Abdirisak Sharif Ali as the new General Director of the hospital,” the statement read.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the outgoing director for her service and the efforts she made during her tenure but noted that new leadership was necessary to restore public confidence and ensure accountability in the health system.
Dr. Ali Haji Adam stressed that the management changes at Banadir Hospital are part of broader national efforts to strengthen Somalia’s healthcare delivery, especially in maternal and child health services. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, compassion, and responsibility in all public health facilities.
“These leadership changes are intended to improve discipline, enhance patient care, and ensure Somali mothers and children receive safe, timely, and dignified medical attention,” he said.
The Ministry also announced that further administrative reforms would be implemented within the hospital. Several staff members who were on duty during the night of the incident have been suspended pending investigation as the Ministry continues to assess the circumstances surrounding the case.
The Minister directed the newly appointed director to perform his duties with integrity, transparency, and efficiency, ensuring patient safety and accountability are prioritized. He expressed confidence in the new leadership’s ability to bring positive change and restore trust in the country’s healthcare institutions.
Dr. Ali Haji Adam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Somali, especially mothers and children, receives humane, quality, and accessible healthcare across the nation.
