Tanzania seeks to reduce dependence on imported medical equipment.

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has set a firm commitment to reducing dependence on imported medicines and medical equipment by strengthening the investment environment in the health sector.

The statement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe in Dar es Salaam, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, during the launch of the Laser technology facility of the Kairuki Green IVF Center’s IVF laboratory.

The launch coincided with the 27th anniversary of the death of the Founder of the Kairuki Institute, the Late Professor Hubert Kairuki, as well as the third anniversary of the provision of IVF services at the center.

Dr  Shekalaghe said the government recognizes the contribution of the Kairuki Institute in supporting the government’s commitment to invest in the production of medicines and medical equipment through the Kairuki Pharmaceuticals Industry Limited factory.

Dr Shekalaghe said the use of Laser technology in IVF services will increase the efficiency and quality of services, a step that contributes to the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s strategy for the year 2021/22–2025/26 aimed at improving health services in the country.

“The IVF services provided by Kairuki Green IVF help address the challenge of infertility for Tanzanians and clients from abroad, thus contributing to and promoting medical tourism, which is a priority of the Sixth Phase Government”, he said.

In another step, Dr Shekalaghe commended the institution for serving 1,712 couples since its inception, of which 61.4 percent have succeeded in getting pregnant, and called on all IVF centers to adhere to professionalism, guidelines, and professional ethics