PM orders crackdown on diversion of govt medicines
MARA: PRIME Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has ordered government health facilities to ensure medicines procured with public funds reach patients, warning against the diversion of drugs to private pharmacies.
Speaking during a visit to Butiama District in Mara Region yesterday, Dr Nchemba said medicine availability in the country stands at 95 per cent, yet many patients are still instructed to buy drugs from private pharmacies.
“The availability of medicines in the country stands at 95 per cent, yet whenever patients visit health facilities, they are told to buy medicines from private pharmacies. Where do those pharmacies obtain medicines that government hospitals supposedly do not have, if not the very medicines procured by the government?” he asked.
He said information available to the government indicates that some individuals deliberately withhold medicines supplied to public health facilities to boost sales in privately owned pharmacies.
The Prime Minister directed that all medicines be procured through the proper channels and that every shilling allocated for medicines at dispensaries, health centres and hospitals be fully accounted for, including details of purchases and storage.
“The government cannot continue receiving positive reports while citizens continue to suffer from shortages of essential medicines,” he said.
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Dr Nchemba stressed that accountability and improved public service delivery remain central government priorities, rooted in the principles championed by the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
The Prime Minister said he has directed the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) to dismiss public servants found embezzling public funds instead of transferring them to other institutions.
He said those responsible should also face legal action, while honest public servants should refuse to shield corrupt colleagues. Dr Nchemba added that the government remains committed to justice and good governance, saying President Samia Suluhu Hassan has translated those principles into legal, policy and administrative reforms.
“During the August parliamentary session, we will amend and repeal laws that continue to cause hardship for Tanzanians,” he said. Meanwhile, speaking at a separate event in Tarime Constituency on Wednesday evening, Dr Nchemba directed all local government authorities to allocate five per cent of their internally generated revenue to developing business infrastructure.
He said the funds should be used to improve business areas and acquire land where necessary to enable young people and women to engage in productive economic activities.
“Do not send young people to conduct business in remote areas that do not suit the nature of their activities,” he said.
