Italy to fund construction of 68-bed army hospital in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Italy has sponsored the construction of a 68-bed health facility for the Somali National Army [SNA], with the African Union Mission Forces [AMISOM] expected to take full control of the project which will be established in Mogadishu.

AMISOM said the project will be implemented under the Early Recovery and Stabilisation program. These are projects done within a short duration of time purposely to help the Horn of Africa nation stabilize.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the army's old hospital within the capital, Mogadishu on Monday. The Isbitaalka Xoogga was built in the 1960s but was destroyed during the years of Somalia’s civil war. The hospital is now being rebuilt.

Alberto Vecchi, the Italian envoy to Somalia, said the agreement to establish the facility was a joint agreement between Rome and the African Union, which is solely in charge of peacekeeping missions within the country.

“Now we are here putting down the first stone of this project that will serve to protect the brave and efficient soldiers of the SNA,” said Ambassador Vecchi.

“It will not be a job finished when the hospital is built. When completed we will keep on supporting and helping the government and the people of Somalia to maintain it. We will find a way, together, depending on your needs,” added Ambassador Vecchi, as he committed his country’s support to the reconstruction and stabilization of Somalia.

Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of African Union noted that the construction of the facility will greatly uplift Somalia's dilapidated healthcare system.

“This hospital is not only going to be a referral facility for the army but should be developed into a research and development facility for the army. The world over, the military provides a step ahead of everybody in identifying challenges to their communities through research and development. Issues of new diseases, new health challenges, we look to the military to give us answers even before the civilian community does so,” he noted.

Somalia Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Odowa Yusuf Rage, said the request for a military hospital came out of the need for specialized medical equipment and health personnel to address the various health challenges faced by the men and women in uniform.

“In the past, this hospital not only provided services to military personnel but also catered for the civilian population. Now, we will have a 68-bed facility to cater to the military. In the past, Isbitaalka Xoogga was renowned for having the best medical and research experts. We hope to be able to have the best experts here again,” noted Gen. Odowa.

Italy was Somalia's colonial master and has been working closely with other stakeholders to improve the healthcare systems within the country. On the other hand, AMISOM is making tough decisions whether to continue operating in Somalia or to form a joint mission with the United Nations.

GAROWE ONLINE