About NHPC

About National Health Professionals Council

The National Health Professionals Council (NHPC) is an independent statutory regulatory body established under Act Lr.31 of 2020 by the Federal Government of Somalia. The Council is mandated to regulate and oversee the registration, licensing, and professional conduct of all health professionals, health facilities, and health education institutions across the country.

The NHPC’s core mission is to protect the public from medical malpractice, uphold professional ethics, and ensure high-quality and safe healthcare services for all Somali citizens. Through its regulatory functions, the Council fosters a health system that is professional, ethical, and accountable

The Council’s key responsibilities include:

Registering and licensing all health professionals in Somalia.
Accrediting and monitoring public and private health facilities.
Recognizing and licensing health education and training institutions.
Developing and enforcing codes of ethics and standards of practice.
Investigating professional misconduct and applying appropriate disciplinary measures.
Advising the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders on matters related to health professions and public health standards.

The NHPC operates independently but maintains close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Federal Member States, and various professional associations to strengthen Somalia’s health regulatory framework.

History of the NHPC

The NHPC was formally established through the enactment of Act Lr.31 by the House of the People and the Upper House, and was signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. This Act came as part of the government’s broader reform to rebuild and regulate the national health sector following years of fragmentation and unregulated practice.

Before the establishment of the NHPC, Somalia lacked a unified regulatory body to oversee the standards of healthcare professionals and institutions. The absence of regulation led to inconsistencies in service quality, unlicensed practitioners, and varying ethical standards within the sector.

Recognizing these challenges, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health, initiated the formation of the NHPC to:

Create a centralized system of registration and licensing.
Promote ethical and professional health practices.
Establish a framework for accountability and quality assurance in health service delivery.

Since its inception, the NHPC has played a pivotal role in standardizing healthcare practices, improving professional integrity, and fostering public trust in Somalia’s health system. The Council continues to expand its reach through regional offices, partnerships, and the development of clear policies and bylaws governing the medical profession.