The new law creates a council to regulate and standardise the healthcare profession.
Somalia has enacted Law No. 31, the National Health Professionals Council Act. The law establishes an independent council to regulate and standardise the healthcare profession.
The Act was enacted to improve the quality and safety of healthcare in Somalia. Its purpose is to set professional standards, license healthcare facilities and practitioners, and protect the public through proper regulation of the sector.
Law No. 31, the National Health Professionals Council Act was enacted and entered into force on November 16, 2020.
Public trust in healthcare depends on knowing that practitioners and facilities meet recognised standards. This law was designed to give Somalia a body to ensure those standards.
Article 1 formally approves the Act upon the President's signature, and Article 2 requires its publication in the Official Gazette, ensuring transparency.
Article 3 establishes the National Health Professionals Council as an independent council with legal authority to regulate the profession.
Under Article 3, the Council is empowered to license healthcare facilities that meet the required standards, helping to ensure that care is delivered in safe and qualified settings.
The Council is tasked with setting and upholding professional standards across the healthcare sector, protecting patients and supporting the development of a qualified workforce.
This law is important because it strengthens the regulation and quality of healthcare in Somalia. An independent council to set standards and license facilities and practitioners helps protect patients and improve care. A well-regulated health profession supports public health and confidence in the healthcare system.
“Public confidence in healthcare rests on knowing that practitioners and facilities meet proper standards. By creating an independent council to regulate the profession, this Act strengthens patient safety and the quality of care. The Council's effectiveness will depend on consistent standard-setting and credible enforcement.”
, Osman Osman, JD (Juris Doctor), M.Sc. (Master of Science)
Managing Partner at Mogadishu Law Office
This release is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before acting on any matter discussed here.