Tanzania, Tunisia agree to deepen ties in pharmaceutical production, radiotherapy and telemedicine services

ROME: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has held talks with Tunisia’s Minister of Health, Mustapha Farhan, on opportunities to strengthen cooperation in pharmaceutical production, radiotherapy and telemedicine services.

Dr Nchemba said Tanzania considers domestic pharmaceutical production a priority for safeguarding public health and an important opportunity to expand the country’s industrial sector.

He said that at a time when global supply chains can be disrupted, it is important for countries to have domestic sources of essential products.

“We welcome Tunisia to work with Tanzania in strengthening the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector,” Dr Nchemba said.

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He noted that challenges experienced during major global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated the importance of strengthening domestic capacity to produce essential goods, particularly medicines.

In addition to pharmaceutical production, the discussions also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in radiotherapy and the use of technology to deliver healthcare services through telemedicine.

Dr Nchemba is in Rome, Italy, representing President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at an international conference discussing the One Health approach and food and agriculture systems, being held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).