Giving birth outside the hospital, Somalia’s government has launched an urgent investigation into a tragic incident in which a woman gave birth at the entrance of Mogadishu’s Banadir Hospital after being denied emergency medical care, officials said Friday.
GIVING BIRTH OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL: THE STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Giving birth outside the hospital, in a statement, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare ordered a full review of the hospital’s CCTV footage and demanded a detailed report from the hospital administration to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ministry described the event as “deeply concerning” and vowed accountability if negligence or misconduct is confirmed.“The Ministry is committed to protecting the safety of Somali mothers and babies,” the statement said. “If the investigation finds negligence, error, or irresponsibility by any member of the staff or hospital administration, legal and administrative action will be taken.”
NHPC’S STEP
Giving birth outside the hospital, The National Health Professionals Council also confirmed it had received video footage showing the mother giving birth on the hospital’s front steps without assistance. The council said it would conduct a joint investigation with the Health Ministry and “promptly share the findings with the public.”
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Witnesses said the woman arrived at Banadir Hospital, one of the country’s largest public maternity facilities, seeking urgent care but was told to remain outside. With no medical support, she delivered her baby at the main gate, aided only by an elderly passerby.
Both the mother and the newborn were in critical condition following the delivery, according to witnesses at the scene.
THE RESPONSE OF MINISTER OF HEALTH
Giving birth outside the hospital, Health Minister Ali Haji Aden confirmed the incident occurred on October 26, emphasizing that it was not related to financial issues or inability to pay. He said hospital staff claimed the baby was born prematurely and was referred to another facility, but insisted that explanation “does not absolve responsibility.”
“This incident is unacceptable,” Aden said. “Emergency medical services are a fundamental right. Once the investigation is complete, the ministry will take appropriate administrative and legal action.”
The case has sparked outrage across Somalia, prompting widespread calls for accountability and reform within the country’s strained public health system.
