AXADLE, Somalia – Seeking to put its health system on firmer financial footing, Puntland State has introduced a health cost recovery policy intended to sustain services while cutting dependence on external aid.
Announced by Minister of Health Mohamed Abdirahman Faroole, the policy sets out a roadmap to fund quality care through a model anchored in transparency, accountability, good governance, and active community involvement.
Crucially, the regional government emphasized that essential services will remain free for vulnerable Somalis, including low-income households, internally displaced people, emergency patients, and those accessing maternal and child healthcare.
The first rollout covers five district hospitals in Alula, Bargal, Ufeyn, Bali-Dhidin, and Iskushuban, with authorities targeting a phased expansion to every district and regional hospital in Puntland State by early 2027.
The launch in Garowe drew a broad slate of officials and partners, including Puntland State’s ministers of finance, planning, and women; the deputy health minister; the state minister for finance; senior figures from the presidency and health ministry; the auditor general; and representatives from the Swedish embassy, Save the Children, and other development organizations.
The Ministry of Health expressed appreciation to the governments of Sweden and Switzerland and to Save the Children for their backing in crafting and implementing the policy.
AXADLETM
