Health sector demands bold local investment

DAR ES SALAAM: The Minister for Health has directed the ministry’s Department of Pharmaceutical Services and the Office of the Chief Government Pharmacist, working with the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), to prepare a Call for Expression of Interest within 21 days to attract investors in pharmaceutical and medical-device manufacturing.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, the minister said the initiative aims to draw serious investment into local pharmaceutical and medical-device production, reducing the country’s heavy dependence on imports. He instructed the responsible units to clearly outline collaboration areas in drug manufacturing and to encourage investors to establish more factories across the country.

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He noted that expanding domestic pharmaceutical industries will strengthen government oversight of product quality, ensuring safer medicines and medical devices for Tanzanians. Strengthened local manufacturing, he added, will also help curb the substantial costs currently spent on importing essential health commodities.

According to the minister, increased investment in this sector is vital for building a resilient health system, boosting self-sufficiency, and positioning Tanzania as a competitive producer of high-quality medical supplies.