The Faculty of Medicine & Surgery is one of the historic and important faculties of Somali National University. Established in 1972, the faculty marked a major milestone in the development of medical education in Somalia. It was founded with the main purpose of producing qualified medical professionals capable of providing quality healthcare services and responding to the health needs of the Somali population. During its early years, the faculty played an essential role in strengthening the national healthcare system by training medical personnel who served in hospitals, clinics, and health institutions across the country.

Before the collapse of the central government, Somalia’s healthcare sector benefited from a network of public hospitals, teaching hospitals, clinics, and health centers supported by graduates of the Faculty of Medicine and other medical professionals trained both locally and abroad. However, the civil conflict and the collapse of public institutions severely affected the health and education sectors. Many healthcare facilities, teaching hospitals, government clinics, and academic institutions were destroyed, including the Faculty of Medicine. As a result, medical education was disrupted for many years, creating a serious shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in the country.

Despite these challenges, the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery was re-established with a renewed commitment to rebuilding Somalia’s healthcare workforce and strengthening medical education. Today, the faculty provides high-quality medical training that meets internationally recognized standards while addressing the healthcare priorities of the Somali community. The faculty offers a six-year MBBS programme that includes pre-medical, pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical training, followed by a compulsory one-year internship. This structure ensures that graduates acquire the knowledge, clinical skills, ethical values, and professional competencies needed to serve effectively at primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels.