Govt bans drug referrals in public hospitals
ARUSHA: HEALTH Minister Mohammed Mchengerwa has prohibited doctors in public hospitals from referring patients to buy medicines outside government facilities, asserting that there is no shortage of medicines in public hospitals.
The minister also directed all health facilities nationwide to install interoperable digital systems to ensure patient information can be accessed across different hospitals, a move aimed at preventing repeated medical tests and duplication of medication.
Mr Mchengerwa issued the directives on Monday during an inspection visit to Kaloleni Health Centre in Arusha, where he assessed the quality of health services provided to citizens.
He cited an incident at Temeke Hospital in Dar es Salaam, where a doctor allegedly directs patients to buy medicines at a private pharmacy despite adequate supplies being distributed to public hospitals by the Medical Stores Department (MSD).
“The government has no shortage of medicines. MSD distributes medicines to all public hospitals. Instead of directing patients elsewhere, facilities should focus on serving patients on time so that they can return to their productive activities,” the minister said.
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He further stressed the importance of digital integration in healthcare delivery, noting that when a patient is treated at one facility, their medical records should be accessible at another to eliminate unnecessary repetition of tests and inappropriate medication.
Mr Mchengerwa directed the health centre to increase the number of medical staff to reduce congestion and commended the Arusha City Director, Mr John Kayombo, for allocating funds for the construction of a five-storey building outside the Kaloleni Health Centre compound to address patient overcrowding.
He ordered that upon completion of the construction, Kaloleni Health Centre should be upgraded to a district hospital, citing the quality of services provided. The minister also instructed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, in collaboration with Arusha City authorities, to initiate procedures to effect the upgrade.
