PM orders a thorough investigation into the supply and distribution of medicines in Tanzanian hospitals
MPANDA: PRIME Minister, Mwigulu Nchemba, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the system for the supply and distribution of medicines in hospitals and health facilities across the country.
Dr Nchemba issued the directive today, Sunday, March 15, 2026, while addressing residents of Nsimbo District at a public rally held at Songambele Primary School grounds in Katavi Region, as part of his working tour of the region.
He said the government has been allocating funds for the purchase of medicines for hospitals and health centres, yet some patients are still being directed to buy drugs from private pharmacies outside the facilities.
The Prime Minister noted that available data indicates that medicines are sufficiently supplied within the health system, making it unacceptable for patients to be referred elsewhere to purchase them. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine how funds allocated for medicines are being used and how the distribution system operates in health facilities.
In a separate matter, Dr Nchemba warned against the practice by some local leaders of illegally selling village land, which has contributed to land disputes in communities. He stressed that the government will not tolerate fraudulent land transactions carried out by dishonest leaders and that those found responsible will face legal action.
The Prime Minister also warned contractors who receive government funds for development projects but fail to pay artisans and subcontractors who carried out the work. He said such contractors will face action and will not be allowed to go free until they pay those who completed the work.
He explained that taking project funds already paid by the government while failing to pay workers deprives citizens of their rightful earnings and can lead communities to wrongly blame the government.
During the rally, the Prime Minister said the Sixth Phase Government under the leadership of Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to invest in development projects, including in the health, education and infrastructure sectors.
He noted that over the past four years, the government has built 119 district hospitals, 649 health centres, and more than 2,700 dispensaries nationwide to improve healthcare services.
Additionally, he said the government has constructed more than 1,300 secondary schools and over 103 vocational training schools to equip young people with education and skills that enable them to participate actively in national development.
