MSD receives first shipment of Naltrexone for  the treatment of alcohol addiction

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Medical Stores Department (MSD) has successfully imported the first shipment of Naltrexone, a medicine used in the treatment of alcohol addiction.

The development follows a strategic partnership between MSD and the Mirembe National Mental Health Institute aimed at strengthening access to treatment services and products for alcohol addiction in Tanzania.

The importation of Naltrexone is part of a long-term service-strengthening agreement between MSD and the Mirembe National Mental Health Institute, particularly aimed at ensuring the sustained availability of products used in the management of alcohol addiction.

Under the established arrangement, Naltrexone will be made available and coordinated by the Mirembe National Mental Health Institute, while MSD will continue procuring the medicine for the institution.

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The development follows a directive issued earlier this month by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, instructing MSD to expedite the availability of Naltrexone tablets. The directive was issued during training on the use of the medicine organised by the National Mental Health Institute.

MSD said receiving and importing the shipment marks an important step towards strengthening mental health services and treatment for alcohol addiction in the country.

The development also reflects government efforts, through MSD and health-sector stakeholders, to ensure that essential and strategic health products are available in the country on time, thereby supporting improved healthcare delivery to the public.