Pharmacy Practice in Somalia: Addressing Educational and Regulatory Gaps: A Commentary

Pharmacists play a key role in ensuring optimal patient care. Despite the expansion of health training institutions in Somalia in recent years, pharmacy programs remain underrepresented. In addition, although pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks have recently been developed in Somalia, implementation and enforcement remain limited. These gaps are evident in pharmacy practice, marked by workforce shortages, inconsistent dispensing practices, and variability in pharmaceutical care standards. This commentary highlights the influence of educational and regulatory barriers on pharmacy practice in Somalia, as well as recent developments, including the approval of the Somalia Medicines Bill, a significant milestone in pharmaceutical governance. Ongoing improvement of pharmacy practice will depend on coordinated reforms in pharmacy education, workforce development, and regulatory oversight. Future policy initiatives should emphasize standardizing pharmacy curricula, strengthening professional regulation and practice oversight, and promoting collaboration among government, academia, and professional stakeholders.