HARGEISA (SD) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) has ordered sweeping measures to improve treatment for kidney patients, including making all essential dialysis services free of charge, purchasing additional dialysis machines, and launching a nationwide assessment of hospitals providing kidney care.

According to a statement from the Somaliland Presidency, President Irro met with hospital administrators, healthcare workers, and kidney patients, focusing on concerns raised about conditions in the dialysis unit at Hargeisa General Hospital.

Following the meeting, the President directed the immediate procurement of 15 new dialysis machines to expand treatment capacity, reduce pressure on existing equipment, and shorten waiting times for patients.

He also established a technical committee to carry out a comprehensive review of Hargeisa General Hospital and regional hospitals. The committee will assess healthcare services, hospital management, medical equipment, infrastructure, and patient care before submitting recommendations for both immediate improvements and long-term reforms.

The Presidency said the measures form part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Somaliland’s healthcare system and improve access to essential medical services.

The announcement follows complaints from dialysis patients over recent weeks about high treatment costs, shortages of dialysis supplies and machines, overcrowding, and delays that have affected their ability to receive regular lifesaving care.

President Irro’s intervention signals a hands-on approach to addressing public concerns and places healthcare among the government’s immediate priorities. By ordering free dialysis services and expanding treatment capacity, the administration is responding directly to one of the most urgent complaints raised by patients and their families.

If implemented effectively, the measures could improve public confidence in Somaliland’s healthcare system while easing the financial burden on vulnerable patients. However, the long-term success of the initiative will depend not only on acquiring new equipment but also on ensuring adequate staffing, maintenance, medical supplies, and sustainable funding to meet the growing demand for dialysis services across Somaliland.