Somali Parliament passes Somali-Turkey Health and Medical Science Cooperation agreement

Somali Federal Parliament Saturday passed a crucial health and medical science cooperation agreement between Turkey and Somalia. The agreement had been official signed in 2013 but since waiting the approval of Somali legislature.

The agreement directly benefits at least 250 Somali patients who will get access to Turkish Hospital for free treatment annually.

137 out of 145 present MPs voted for the agreement, five voted against while the remaining three MPs abstained to vote.

Turkey government will establish health centres which could provide health service for hundreds of Somali citizens in nationwide, according to the agreement.

“The agreement is based on the mutual interest of both countries. Turkey will cooperate with us on reducing communicable disease, vaccinations, and mother and child health and most importantly Turkish Hospitals will admit 250 Somali patients annually” said Somali Health minister Hawo Hassan Mohmmad.

Turkey will also provide training classes for health sector workers in Somalia.

Turkey and Somalia share development cooperation projects and since 2011 Turkey Government implemented several development projects in Somalia including Hospitals.