Djibouti Doctors are Finally Calling the Shots!

by Mohamed Houssein Awaleh
Monday, June 02, 2008

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They are young, energetic and motivated. They don't complain or seek any recognition from anybody. They are the pride of the Nation, after all – they simply strive to help their Countrymen/women. Every morning, they get up at dawn, and go to work like normal Doctors. They love what they do: treating their patients.

Dr. Mohamed Hassan, a dedicated Biologist, and Supervisor of the National Laboratory of Hospital Peltier’, the biggest hospital in the Country; Dr. Mohamed Gulan, a re-known dermatologist and also, the Director of Touisant Hospital; Dr. Rachid Haji Ali, a Generalist - also a Champion, and head of the war against the HIV/AIDS in Djibouti - the Africa's enemy N*1.

No-doubt, they have nothing to envy with their Western counterparts. They are not as well ashamed of having something in common: a dream of being in the Medical field, and helping their people. They refused to give up, and migrate to Europe, like some of their friends have done it in the past, when they couldn't take it the pressure from a rigid and incompetent politically nominated bureaucrats. What keep them going? Faith, and conviction, absolutely.

“I guess,” said, Dr. Mohamed Hassan, “we all realized at some point in our lives that we were sick and tired of witnessing our Relatives, Neighbours and Families Members suffered or died”. He continued. “Unfortunately, due to the huge shortage of Medical Doctors and technology into our Hospitals, then … little over twenty years ego”, said and paused for few minutes, while staring at the Peltier Hospital from his apartment balcony". He then turned towards me; and excitedley confessed. “ If I could speak for my Friend's... that's, when we all decided to go to Medical school. That’s! when their friendship hatched as well - during their student days, eighteen years prior in Bruxelle, Belgium, .

They insist on that their Nurses, Staffs or Patients to simply refer them - as their first Names. It's interesting, though -these young Doctors, don't even considered themselves as Heroes. Nevertheless, either they like it - or- not. They are certainly role models for the Djiboutian children.

"I was so anxious to graduate as soon as possible, and go back home in order to help our community,” proudly confided me, the young and shy Doctor, Dr. Rachid Haji Ali, few months ago in his office.

No one will probably write books about them; or will make movies on their lives stories - for their dedication of working towards the well-being of their peoples. Of course with the help of God! Perhaps, nobody will even consider them nominating, 'the World Prestigious Medical Awards'; as a result of not ending up on the Western Media.

“ You know, Mohamed,” Dr. Gulan told me, one day in the middle of April. “ If we all run away to the west - who then, do we expect to serve our people?”, We got to be realist, man". He said. While passionately pounding on the table; and taking a sip at the same time, with his non-sucree Orange Juice with his right hand on", and continued.“ That's not a solution, young brother, our country needs us, France or America for that matter, don't need us.

He sure didn't made me feel good about myself, but I understood what he meant. And, I agreed with him. I waved at them for good bye! Wondering if I could ever measure up with them; and took my plane via to North America. The fact reminds, though. These young Doctors go to bed in peace at night.

Mohamed Houssein Awaleh
Director of djiboutisafari.dj
E-Mail: [email protected]

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