SNA, AMISOM and Italian embassy break ground for 68-bed military hospital

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: A joint mission between the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Government of Italy, will see the construction of a 68-bed health facility for soldiers and officers of the Somali National Army (SNA).

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday at the premises of the old Somali National Army Hospital in Mogadishu, erected nearly 6 decades ago but was brought down during the civil war in the early 90’s.

Present at the groundbreaking ceremony were senior SNA and AMISOM officers including the AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Diomede Ndegeya, and the AMISOM Sector One Commander, Brig. Don Nabaasa.

Italy’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alberto Vecchi, said following a request made by the Somalia Chief of Defence Forces for a health facility for members of Somalia’s military, an agreement was reached with the African Union Commission to put up an inpatient health facility for members of Somalia’s military.

Vecchi reiterated his government’ s commitment to work hand-in-hand with the Somali administration in maintaining the facility.

“It will not be a job finished when the hospital is built. When completed we will keep on supporting and helping the government and the people of Somalia to maintain it. We will find a way, together, depending on your needs,” said Ambassador Vecchi.

The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Simon Mulongo, said that the health facility had the potential of being transformed into a medical research and development facility noting that world over, the military was always way ahead in making groundbreaking innovations which have had great impacts in communities.

Somalia Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Odowaaa Yusuf, said the request for the facility was the dire need for specialised medical equipment and health personnel to address the pressing health challenges faced by the country’s men and women in uniform.

“In the past, this hospital not only provided services to military personnel but also catered for the civilian population. Now, we will have the 68-bed facility to cater for the military. In the past, Isbitaalka Xoogga was renowned for having the best medical and research experts. We hope to be able to have the best experts here again” noted Gen. Odowaa.

The project, to be undertaken by Deeqa Construction and Water Well Drilling Company will take a period of six months to complete as per the AMISOM Civil Engineer, Andrew Alele and would include a modern kitchen, laundry, administration, and storage areas.