By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Jigjiga, 3 September 2026 Ethiopia's Somali Regional State government on Wednesday opened a Grade One hospital in Shilabo District, Qoraxey Region, built at a cost of $1.5 million (232 million birr).
The hospital was inaugurated by Somali Regional State Vice President Ibrahim Osman Farah at a ceremony attended by government officials, traditional elders, intellectuals and members of the local community.
The government has given particular priority to improving health care services, especially by ensuring communities have access to quality medical care, Farah said.
"The government has given special attention to making significant improvements in the health sector," he said.
He said 23 hospitals have been constructed since the current administration came to power, bringing the total number of hospitals operating across the region to 32, alongside 60 health centers.
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Farah said progress has been made in blood bank services, with 11 additional blood banks added to existing facilities. He said the government has purchased more than 200 ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services.
He said the measures are part of the government's broader plan to improve health care services and make basic medical care more accessible to communities across the region, particularly those living in remote areas.
Farah pledged the government would continue investing in and developing health care infrastructure, with a focus on improving the quality and accessibility of medical services.
The opening comes as the Somali Regional State government says it is accelerating efforts to expand health care services, particularly in areas located far from major medical centers.