By Asma Mohamud - Reporter
DJIBOUTI, July 20 2026 – Djibouti has launched a nationwide reform of its healthcare referral system aimed at improving patient access to specialist services and strengthening coordination between health facilities, Djibouti National Radio and Television (RTD) reported on Sunday.
According to RTD, the initiative was unveiled during a meeting chaired by Health Minister Mouna Osman Aden and attended by senior ministry officials, hospital directors, specialist physicians and healthcare managers.
The reform seeks to strengthen coordination between primary healthcare centres, polyclinics and public hospitals through a more integrated patient referral system, with the aim of improving continuity of care and ensuring patients receive treatment at the appropriate level of the healthcare system.
Health Minister Aden said the reform was intended to bring specialist healthcare services closer to communities while strengthening local health centres so that major hospitals could focus on more complex medical cases.
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Participants also discussed challenges in the current referral process and proposed measures to improve coordination among healthcare facilities across the country, according to the broadcaster.
RTD said officials agreed to establish a national steering committee, technical working groups and regional coordination units to oversee implementation of the reform, develop unified referral protocols and improve the management of patient referrals nationwide.
Dr. Timiro Aden, technical director at Sheikho Hospital in Balbala District, said the new framework would strengthen cooperation between hospitals and community health centres by introducing clear referral and counter-referral procedures, helping patients receive continuous treatment and follow-up care without unnecessary delays.
Djibouti has been expanding its healthcare system in recent years through investments in medical infrastructure and public health services as it seeks to improve access to healthcare nationwide.