New Director Appointed: Burao Hospital’s Fall and the Fight for Revival

Burao, Somaliland — After years of deteriorating services and rising public frustration, Burao General Hospital has officially entered a new chapter with the appointment of Dr. Abokor Wali Bigille as its new Director. The leadership handover ceremony, held on Wednesday, in the city of Burao, marked a significant moment for the region and was attended by senior government officials, local authorities, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.

The outgoing Director, Dr. Mustafe Hussein Abdillahi, welcomed his successor and reflected on the challenges faced during his tenure. In his remarks, Dr. Abokor expressed deep gratitude to the Ministry of Health Development—particularly Minister Dr. Hussein Bashir—for entrusting him with this responsibility. He pledged to restore the hospital’s operations and regain the trust of the people it serves.

The Governor of Togdheer region, Mahmoud Ali Saleeban (Ramaax), who presided over the ceremony, emphasized the importance of institutional continuity and urged the new director to address the hospital’s urgent needs. He reminded attendees that public service is a rotating duty and called on all stakeholders to support efforts to revitalize the facility.

Once a vital pillar of healthcare in Somaliland, Burao General Hospital has long served as the primary referral facility for Togdheer and the wider eastern regions. Its strategic location and capacity made it indispensable in handling complex medical cases, surgeries, and emergencies. During the 2023 Sool War, the hospital played a heroic role in treating wounded soldiers and civilians alike, saving countless lives under immense pressure. For decades, it stood as a beacon of hope for thousands unable to afford private care or travel long distances to Hargeisa. Its decline has therefore had a devastating impact on healthcare access across the region.

The hospital’s deterioration, however, is not simply the result of underinvestment—it is rooted in years of deep-seated financial mismanagement and corruption. Under previous administrations, the hospital accumulated massive debts, severely crippling its operations. Investigations point to widespread misuse of funds and embezzlement by unqualified officials tied to the Ministry of Health Development in Togdheer. Despite the recent change in national leadership and promises of reform, many of those responsible remained for awhile in office. The lack of accountability has led to the closure of essential departments, a shortage of medical professionals, and a growing sense of abandonment among the population.

As Dr. Abokor steps into his new role, hopes are high that the hospital can begin to recover and once again serve the people of eastern Somaliland with dignity and professionalism. However, experts warn that without meaningful intervention from the central government—including financial audits, staff restructuring, and emergency resource allocation—progress may be limited.

For now, the people of Burao watch with cautious optimism, hoping this leadership change signals not just a new face, but a new future.