Dr. Mohamed Ashraf: Pioneering Healthcare Innovation in Somalia

In a country where access to quality healthcare remains a major challenge, Dr. Mohamed Hussein Ashraf, Director of Somalia-Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Hospital in Mogadishu, has emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation.

His remarkable leadership and dedication to improving healthcare services have earned him the prestigious title of “Best Hospital Director in Somalia” at the 2024 Somali Health Awards, a testament to his transformative contributions.

Dr. Ashraf was appointed Director of Erdoğan Hospital in December 2023, and within a short period, he initiated groundbreaking developments that positioned the hospital as a leading healthcare facility in the Horn of Africa. The Somali Health Awards, which celebrate outstanding medical professionals across the nation, recognized Ashraf’s relentless efforts through a public vote, highlighting the vital role he has played in the country’s health sector.

The award ceremony, attended by Somali ministers, lawmakers, and healthcare professionals, marked a significant moment not just for Dr. Ashraf but for Somalia’s health industry as a whole. The recognition comes at a time when healthcare delivery in the country faces numerous challenges, and Ashraf’s leadership has offered a glimpse of what the future could hold.

Fellow healthcare leaders across Somalia have praised Dr. Ashraf for his relentless dedication. Dr. Fartuun Sharif, Director of Banaadir Hospital, congratulated him, saying, “Dr. Ashraf is a real hero in the health sector and shows immense commitment.” Similarly, Dr. Jalaludin Yusuf Ahmed, Director of De Martino Hospital, remarked, “I’ve never met anyone who worked with you and felt anything but gratitude. You truly deserve the award.”

Revolutionizing Healthcare Services

Since assuming leadership at Erdoğan Hospital, Dr. Ashraf has introduced numerous innovations. One of his most notable achievements was overseeing Somalia’s first-ever open-heart surgery in March 2024, a procedure that had previously required patients to seek treatment abroad. This milestone marked a historic moment for Somalia’s medical landscape, allowing citizens to access life-saving procedures within their home country.

Director Ashraf has also been instrumental in expanding patient services. Under his guidance, the hospital introduced nighttime access to its Polyclinic, offering patients more flexibility in choosing the doctor that best suits their needs. Additionally, he initiated a series of facility upgrades, including the installation of advanced air conditioning systems, ensuring a more comfortable environment for patients and their families.

“Dr. Mehmet Kizilay from Türkiye and Dr. Abdinafic Mohamud Hussein from Somalia performed Somalia’s first open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine on a 75-year-old patient, Abdullahi Ahmed Jama. The patient, who had ischemic heart disease, underwent a three-vessel coronary bypass and was discharged in good condition after five days. This milestone was achieved under the joint leadership of Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Karataş, Turkish Director, and Mohamed Hussein, Somali Director, whose combined efforts ensured the success of this historic project.”

Dr. Ashraf’s impact extends beyond the walls of the hospital. His commitment to social justice is evident in his decision to dispatch eight doctors to Mogadishu’s Central Prison, where they provided free medical care to thousands of inmates. This act of generosity underscores his deep dedication to improving healthcare access for marginalized communities.

A Focus on Community Health

Dr. Ashraf’s leadership has also driven the hospital’s emergency response preparedness. Recognizing the need for a coordinated approach during terrorist attacks, he established a specialized emergency response team that ensures comprehensive care during critical incidents. His efforts in this area have been widely lauded, especially given Somalia’s complex security environment.

In a touching example of his humanitarian efforts, Dr. Ashraf arranged for five burn victims from Qoryoley town to be airlifted to Turkey for advanced treatment at no cost. These victims, from a low-income family, are now showing significant recovery thanks to the intervention facilitated by ErdoÄŸan Hospital.

Furthermore, Dr. Ashraf’s leadership saw a young girl from Jigjiga, initially treated at Digfeer Hospital, receive cancer treatment abroad. Her progress in Turkey has been remarkable, a testament to the cross-border medical collaborations that Dr. Ashraf has fostered.

Strategic Vision and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Dr. Ashraf has set forth an ambitious five-year strategic plan for Erdoğan Hospital. He envisions expanding the hospital’s capacity to 1,000 inpatient beds, increasing the number of specialized doctors, and introducing new services to enhance patient care. His plan includes hiring subspecialists in areas such as pediatric cardiology and nephrology, as well as focusing on improving patient interactions by training staff to offer compassionate care.

The hospital also offers annual awards to its staff, encouraging a culture of excellence and recognition. Dr. Ashraf emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development, both locally and internationally, ensuring that Somali doctors are equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.

Inaugurated in 2013 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Erdoğan Hospital has become a symbol of international cooperation and development. As it approaches its 11th anniversary, the hospital continues to serve as a critical healthcare provider, treating over 40,000 patients monthly and performing more than 800 surgeries each month.

Despite the immense progress, Dr. Ashraf remains grounded, acknowledging the challenges of managing a major hospital in Somalia. “Many patients are poor and struggle to afford even small fees,” he said. “Running a hospital in Somalia is one of the toughest jobs, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

A Decade of Service

Before taking the helm at ErdoÄŸan Hospital, Dr. Ashraf served as Director of Dr. SUMAIT Hospital from 2021 to 2023. He has also held teaching and administrative roles at Simad University, where he has been recognized for his contributions to society, receiving awards from both the Benadir regional administration and various institutions.

Dr. Mohamed Hussein Ashraf’s journey from a medical professional to an award-winning hospital director is a story of dedication, innovation, and compassion. His leadership at Erdoğan Hospital continues to inspire both the medical community and the wider Somali society. As he looks to the future, there is no doubt that Dr. Ashraf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Somalia’s healthcare system for the better.