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The fderal parliament of Somalia has taken a significant step toward strengthening healthcare oversight by reviewing a new bill aimed at regulating pharmaceuticals. The proposed Medicine Regulation Bill, introduced by the Ministry of Health, seeks to address the widespread circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines, a longstanding issue in the country’s healthcare system.
On Monday, lawmakers held the first reading of the bill, marking a crucial phase in efforts to establish stricter guidelines for importing, distributing, and monitoring pharmaceuticals. The bill, if passed, would empower authorities with greater oversight to enforce quality control standards in a largely unregulated market.
Speaker of the House Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madoobe) and Second Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow presided over the parliamentary session. Per legislative procedure, no debate took place during this stage, but the bill will undergo two more readings before a final vote. The proposal has been referred to the relevant parliamentary committee, which will analyze its details and prepare it for further discussions.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Haji Aden, emphasized the bill’s importance in protecting public health. Addressing lawmakers, he urged parliament to consider the legislation carefully, highlighting the dangers posed by unregulated pharmaceuticals. Substandard medicines have led to severe medical complications, treatment failures, and a rise in antibiotic resistance, he warned. The minister stressed that passing this bill would introduce long-overdue quality control measures and ensure that only safe and effective medicines reach Somali consumers.
For years, Somalia has struggled with pharmaceutical regulation, with much of the market operating without proper oversight. The lack of a centralized drug authority has allowed counterfeit, expired, and poor-quality medicines to flood the market, putting countless lives at risk. Many drugstores operate freely without strict licensing requirements, and enforcement mechanisms remain weak. This situation has made it easier for unscrupulous suppliers to distribute fake or low-quality medications, worsening public health concerns.
Health experts and medical professionals have long called for tighter regulations, warning that the uncontrolled sale of pharmaceuticals is endangering the population. In many parts of Somalia, pharmacies and street vendors sell medicines without adequate verification of their quality or authenticity. Patients seeking treatment often have no way of knowing whether the drugs they purchase are safe, leading to preventable health crises.
The proposed law aims to change this by introducing stringent licensing requirements for pharmaceutical imports, mandatory quality testing, and strict penalties for non-compliance. If enacted, the legislation would help eliminate the distribution of dangerous counterfeit drugs and bring Somalia closer to international pharmaceutical standards.
Government officials have made previous attempts to regulate the pharmaceutical industry, working with international health organizations and setting up preliminary oversight bodies. However, enforcement has remained weak, leaving significant gaps in the system. Without a strong regulatory framework, previous efforts have failed to curb the sale of counterfeit and substandard drugs effectively.
The passage of the Medicine Regulation Bill would represent a major milestone in the country’s journey toward a safer and more reliable healthcare system. Strengthening oversight mechanisms would not only protect patients but also improve Somalia’s medical sector by fostering trust in pharmaceutical products.
Public health advocates have welcomed the bill’s introduction, calling it a necessary step toward safeguarding the well-being of Somali citizens. However, they emphasize that passing the law is only the first step—successful implementation will require dedicated enforcement, capacity-building, and collaboration with international health bodies to ensure that regulatory standards are met.
As Somalia moves forward with this crucial legislation, the focus will remain on parliament’s deliberations in the coming weeks. The success of the bill will depend on the government’s ability to enforce the proposed regulations effectively and close the loopholes that have allowed counterfeit pharmaceuticals to thrive. If approved and properly implemented, this law could significantly improve the country’s healthcare system and save countless lives.