TMDA destroys 3.8 tonnes of substandard medicines in Geita

GEITA: THE Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA)’s Western Lake Zone office has destroyed 3.8 tons of substandard medicines with a net worth of 23.41m/- in Geita Region in 2024/25 financial year.

Also, the authority, which covers the Geita, Shinyanga and Kagera regions destroyed 450 kilogrammes of medical devices with a value of 12.8m/- in Geita Region.

TMDA Manager for Western Lake Zone, Dr Edger Mahundi presented the report recently during the opening of a seminar for health experts and officials from all district councils in Geita Region.

Dr Mahundi said the seminar targeted to enhance understanding of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act, Chapter 219, to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines and medical devices.

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He added that among the confiscated items were unregistered products, substandard goods and other products.

“In essential drug shops, there has been an increase in the presence of prescription-only drugs, which are not permitted for sale in such outlets. These drugs are confiscated and redistributed freely to institutions in need,” said Dr Mahundi.

Geita Regional Administrative Secretary, Ms Lucy Beda, stressed the importance of prioritising the regulation of medicine, medical devices and diagnostic sales and registration to protect the lives of unaware citizens.

Geita Regional Acting Commissioner, Mr Hashimu Komba urged TMDA to closely monitor and implement government objectives to ensure a consistent standard of quality for medicines, diagnostics, and medical devices.