By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 1 December 2025 – The National Health Professions Council (NHPC) of Somalia welcomed a Supreme Court ruling that annulled the Ministry of Health’s appointment of a new Secretary-General, reaffirming the council’s independence.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment announced on 27 November 2025, invalidated the ministry’s decision of 29 May 2025 to appoint Mohamed Mohamud Adow as Secretary-General. The court ruled that the Ministry of Health lacked legal authority to make the appointment and ordered it to cover $300 in legal costs, with enforcement required within 30 days.
The council is composed of 15 members. Members are drawn from government ministries—including Health, Higher Education, and Justice—as well as professional associations, private health services, and civil society. The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson are elected internally by council members.
The case, filed by the council on 2 July 2025, followed guidance from the Attorney General’s office, which had clarified that the council operates independently and the Ministry does not have authority to appoint its Secretary-General.
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Chairman Omar Dahir Mahmoud said at a press conference on Sunday, the ruling “fully affirms the council’s independence and nullifies the unlawful appointment of the Secretary-General.”
He added, “We are pleased that the Supreme Court has recognized the legal authority of the council and dismissed all actions stemming from the previous appointment.”
The Ministry of Health and the appointed Secretary-General have not commented on the ruling.