By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Somalia, 3 January 2026 Somalia's House of the People today approved the Pharmaceutical La aimed at regulating the pharmaceutical subsector which plays a critical role in the country's heathcare system.
The was approved by 141 MPs, with one MP abstaining. There were no votes against it.
What does the law stipulate?
The law is officially named the Pharmaceutical and Health Equipment Law of Somalia.
The purpose of this law is to ensure, protect, regulate, and control the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medicines.
Additionally, the primary objectives of this law include the establishment of the Somali Pharmaceutical and Health Equipment Authority, which will be the agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the medicines used in the country.
As per Article 4 of the law, it applies to all medicines used for human life and cosmetic products.
Article 25 prohibits importing, selling, or distributing any medicine or health equipment in the country unless it is clearly labeled in one of the following languages: Somali, English, or Arabic.
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Article 26 specifically prohibits the import, storage, or sale of medicines that do not have verified quality.
The new law forbids anyone without a medical license from selling medicines, and anyone found guilty will be sentenced to prison or fined.
Article 28 defines that anyone who manufactures counterfeit medicines, such as:
• Changing the packaging of the medicine,
• Reducing the quality of the medicine,
will be sentenced to prison, fined, or both.
Once law comes into effect, the Somali Pharmaceutical and Health Equipment Authority will be established. This authority will have the power to regulate and control advertising and promotion related to medicines and health equipment to ensure the public safety.
However, this law will only come into effect once it is approved by the Upper House and assented by the President of Somalia.
