Somalia Health Minister Remarks on “Medical Tourism” Sparks Twitter Backlash

[Deeq A.]

Mr Ali Haji Adam, the Federal Somalia Minister for Health.

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Remarks by the Health Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mr Ali Haji Adam Abuubakar at a conference in India created a controversy over his suitability to remain a minister.

“Somalis spend more than 100 million dollars on medical care in India” said the Health Minister who described this trend as an aspect of the historic relations between India and the Federal Republic of Somalia. “Mr. Minister, countries do not facilitate and promote outbound health tourism and instead strengthen their domestic healthcare infrastructure and systems to reduce the outbound. Visa challenges are of MFA ambit. We must strive to reduce the ‘100m’ and spent domestically” tweeted Mohamed Dubo, the Director of Sominvest.

The Somalia Health Minister briefing the Indian press in New Delhi.

Mursal Khalif, a Somali Federal MP, suggested priorities for the Health Ministry without drawing attention to the Health Minister’s gaffe: “Priorities for @MoH_Somalia must include: 1) increasing access to primary care 2) improving training & education of healthcare professionals 3) developing more medical centers providing secondary & tertiary care 4) addressing mental health needs of the youth, victims of violence & vulnerable populations 5) making measurable quality of care a requirement for all healthcare facilities” tweeted Khalif.

India is one of the favourite destinations for Somalis seeking medical care. Somalia lacks public medical facilities and properly regulated private healthcare provision.

© Puntland Post, 2023

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