Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Somaliland Ministry of Health Development has issued an official directive prohibiting private hospitals from charging fees for soldiers wounded in the defense of the nation, mandating that they receive medical treatment free of charge.

This directive, which applies to all private hospitals operating in Somaliland, aims to ensure that national forces receive immediate medical care, in accordance with the government’s responsibility to provide for their welfare.

Key Provisions of the Directive:

• Specialist doctors are required to respond promptly to emergency medical situations involving soldiers.
• Hospitals must share soldiers’ medical records with the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities.
• If there are challenges related to treating wounded soldiers, hospitals must communicate with the Ministry of Health Development for an immediate resolution.

The ministry stated that this decision was made following complaints that some private healthcare facilities had failed to provide urgent medical care for injured soldiers. This prompted the implementation of measures to guarantee that Somaliland’s forces receive free healthcare while ensuring that private hospitals fulfill their social responsibility.