Mogadishu, Somalia – November 7, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services has announced the launch of an urgent investigation following the circulation of a video on social media showing a Somali mother reportedly in labor outside the Banadir Mother and Child Hospital without receiving immediate medical assistance.
The Ministry described the incident as “deeply distressing” and one that contravenes the fundamental principles of emergency maternal and child healthcare services. The footage, which surfaced on November 7, 2025, has sparked widespread public concern and raised serious questions about the responsiveness of the hospital’s emergency services.
In response, the Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Haji Adam, has directed a swift and independent inquiry into the matter to establish the facts surrounding the incident. The Minister emphasized that ensuring the safety and dignity of mothers and newborns remains a top national priority and that any negligence or misconduct will not be tolerated.
As part of the investigation, the Minister has ordered:
• A comprehensive review of the CCTV footage from Banadir Hospital; and
• The immediate collection of detailed reports from the hospital’s management and staff who were on duty at the time.
The Ministry assured the Somali public that the investigation will be thorough, transparent, and independent, aimed at uncovering the truth behind the incident.
“The safety of Somali mothers and children is at the heart of our mission,” the statement read. “If the investigation confirms any negligence or administrative failure, the Ministry will take all necessary legal and disciplinary actions against those responsible.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening the quality and responsiveness of maternal healthcare across the country and ensuring that such incidents are not repeated in any public or private health facility.
