Garbahaarey, Somali diaspora women are funding the renovation of Gedo region’s largest hospital in Garbaharey to enable much needed medical services to be brought to local people.

Radio Ergo’s Fatuma Maalim talked to Luul Mohamed Aden, the spokesperson of a group of diaspora women, who hail from the region, to ask further information.

Luul:  A group of us diaspora Somali women came back to Gedo last June and realized the importance of renovation of Garbaharey district; and we then came together to make contributions and fund its rebuilding.

Ergo:  So, are only women contributing to the cost of renovation of the hospital?

Luul: The women came up with the initiative and organized themselves to contribute, but there are also some men involved in it.

Ergo:  You are in Garbaharey right now; can you explain to me how much medical services are needed in Garbaharey?

Luul: When we arrived here last year, we called the residents and asked about their needs in regards to the medical services. It was very painful to hear from them that even pregnant women in Garbaharey have to go to other districts in the region to deliver their babies. Most of the women can’t reach these hospitals safely because of the poor infrastructure and they might even die on the road.  So, women are those who need to see the hospital reopened more than any other people.

Ergo:  So, what are you plans? Will the hospital service only local people?

Luul: Our planning is that the hospital covers the medical needs for the residents in Garbaharey district and Gedo region in general and also neighbouring regions. It will be a big hospital consisting of more than 40 rooms. If it is fully equipped, the hospital will be one of the largest medical centres in the country. We hope that our community will benefit from it.

Ergo: How much will the construction and renovation of the hospitalcost?

Luul: We will be investing around $400,000.

Ergo: That is huge money. How many departments will the hospital consist of?

Luul: It will consist of several departments, including inpatientwards, laboratory and maternity departments.

Ergo: How long will the renovation take?

Luul: Our main aim is to begin the construction and quickly. If we get the money needed fast, it will take less time, but collecting the contributions takes time, so the renovation may also take time. We are encouraging all Somalis to contribute something to the hospital. The construction has been going on for the past two months, but the money we have so far will not be enough to finish the work.

Ergo: After finishing the construction, how will you get doctors and equipment?

Luul: There are many doctors who hail from the region. We are asking them to come back and serve their people since we have done our part in constructing the facility.

Ergo: What is the progress so far?

Luul: 20 rooms will be ready to open next month. These rooms will be used as we are continuing the construction of the other parts.

Source: Radio Ergo