Tadjourah, Djibouti(Mogadishu24)–President Ismail Omar Guelleh officially inaugurated the Regional Hospital of Tadjourah on Sunday, a state-of-the-art facility named after the late Dr. Bourhan Mohamed Aref, one of Djibouti’s pioneering medical practitioners.

The new hospital, located in the regional capital of Tadjourah, is equipped with modern facilities, including a general medicine pavilion, cardiology department, obstetric gynecology unit, and a dedicated wing for ENT services, including ophthalmology. The facility also boasts a high-tech radiology unit and an analytical laboratory, enhancing its capacity to diagnose and treat patients efficiently.

With a 50-bed capacity, the hospital is designed to treat hundreds of patients daily, offering comprehensive services such as internal medicine, intensive care, and maternal and child health care at international standards. Built over two years through a partnership with China, the hospital is surrounded by a landscaped esplanade featuring greenery and open spaces, promoting patient recovery and well-being.

In his speech during the inauguration, President Guelleh described the hospital as a “significant advancement” in providing quality healthcare to all Djiboutians, regardless of their location:
“The Dr. Bourhan Mohamed Aref Regional Hospital, which we celebrate today, goes far beyond just a construction. It embodies our collective commitment to ensure that every Djiboutian has access to quality care,”the President said.

President Guelleh reiterated his government’s continued focus on public health, calling it a top priority for inclusive and balanced development across Djibouti. He highlighted the Ministry of Health’s substantial investment in modernizing medical infrastructure, noting the renovation and equipping of hospitals and clinics, even in remote areas.

The President paid tribute to Dr. Bourhan Mohamed Aref, describing him as an icon of Djibouti’s healthcare sector:
“He will always remain etched in the collective memory of our society for his unparalleled generosity, ethics, and dedication to practicing medicine as a vocation, not for profit.”

The inauguration was met with great enthusiasm from Tadjourah’s residents, who turned out in large numbers to welcome President Guelleh. The event reflects Djibouti’s commitment to advancing its healthcare infrastructure and honoring the legacy of its medical pioneers, symbolizing progress and hope for the nation.