Health Care Law at Somalia
Somalia Economic Update: Investing in ... Somalia's healthcare system is governed by a combination of national legislation, strategic policies, and international collaborations. Here's an overview of the key legal frameworks and recent developments:
🏛️ Legal and Institutional Framework
1. National Health Professionals Council (NHPC) Act (LR.31)
The NHPC Act, signed into law in November 2020, established the National Health Professionals Council as an independent regulatory body. The NHPC is responsible for: (NHPC | National Health Professionals Council, NHPC | National Health Professionals Council)
Registering and licensing health professionals
Accrediting health education institutions
Licensing health facilities
Promoting professional ethics
Ensuring compliance with regulations and standards through effective monitoring and quality assurance (NHPC | National Health Professionals Council, NHPC | National Health Professionals Council)
The NHPC began operations in September 2023 and plays a critical role in assuring the quality of the Somali health workforce. (NHPC | National Health Professionals Council)
2. National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA)
Established under the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the NMRA is responsible for regulating human medicines and medical devices in Somalia. Key legislative documents include: (Laws)
Law No. 9 (1989) for regulating human medicines and medical devices
National Medicines Policy
Establishment of the Interim NMRA
Establishment of the Controlled Substances Committee (Laws)
These regulations aim to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical products in Somalia. (Laws)
đź“‹ Strategic Health Policies
1. Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP III) 2022–2026
Developed by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the HSSP III outlines the country's strategic approach to improving its health sector over the next five years. Key pillars include: (SOMALIA HEALTH SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 (HSSP III) | Arab National Development Planning Portal)
Boosting healthcare demand
Engaging private healthcare providers
Implementing performing management systems
Restructuring the health workforce
Rationalizing the pharmaceutical field
Steering physical infrastructure investments (SOMALIA HEALTH SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 (HSSP III) | Arab National Development Planning Portal)
The plan emphasizes enhancing the quality of care, improving healthcare access, and strengthening health systems. (SOMALIA HEALTH SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 (HSSP III) | Arab National Development Planning Portal)
2. National Health Policy
The Somali National Health Policy establishes a strategic vision to address evolving public health needs and national priorities. It reaffirms the government's commitment to the fundamental right to health, aligns the health sector within the broader national development framework, and emphasizes the importance of partnership and aid effectiveness. This policy provides clear guidance for key health programs, ensuring that Somalia remains responsive to global health challenges, including the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.
⚖️ Legal Challenges and Human Rights
Despite legislative advancements, Somalia faces significant challenges in enforcing healthcare laws and protecting human rights. For instance, female genital mutilation (FGM) remains prevalent, with a reported 98% prevalence rate among women aged 15 to 49. Although the practice was constitutionally banned in 2012, enforcement has been limited, and incidents continue to occur. In 2018, two young sisters died from complications following an FGM procedure in Puntland, highlighting the urgent need for stronger legal enforcement and public health interventions. (Two Sisters Bled to Death in Somalia After a Female Genital Mutilation Procedure)
🌍 International Collaboration
Somalia collaborates with international organizations to strengthen its healthcare system. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has supported the development of the Digital Health Strategy and the National Health Strategic Plan, aligning them with global health goals.
RELATED Blog
0 comments