The Ministry of Health and Social Care of the Federal Republic of Somalia has officially announced the appointment of the 15 members of the National Health Professionals Council (NHPC). The appointment was made by the Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Ali Haji Adam, in line with the constitutional mandate and the National Health Professional Council Act.
The NHPC is an independent national regulatory body responsible for safeguarding the public by ensuring high standards in health professional practice, licensing, medical education, and the quality of health facilities across Somalia.
How the 15 Council Members Are Formed
According to Article 3 of the NHPC Act, the Council consists of 15 representatives drawn from key government ministries, health professional associations, health training institutions, and the private health sector. At least 30% of the members must be women.
The composition is as follows:
- Ministry of Health – 2 members
- Ministry of Higher Education – 1 member
- Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs – 1 member
- Somali Medical Association – 3 members
- Somali Nursing Association – 1 member
- Somali Midwifery Association – 1 member
- Health Training Institutions – 1 member
- Somali Laboratory Technologists Association – 1 member
- Somali Pharmacists Association – 1 member
- Somali Public Health Association – 1 member
- Private Health Facilities – 1 member
- Somali Civil Society – 1 member
These members are nominated by their respective institutions and verified through the selection committee outlined in Article 4 of the Act.
Purpose of the Appointment
The formation of the council marks another step toward improving the regulation, accountability, and quality of Somalia’s health workforce. The NHPC will oversee:
- Registration and licensing of all health professionals
- Accreditation of health facilities and training institutions
- Enforcement of ethics and professional conduct
- Review and approval of health training programs
- Protection of the public from malpractice
This appointment strengthens the governance framework of the health sector and supports the delivery of safe, ethical, and high-quality health services nationwide.