Health Minister Hon. Jenista Mhagama has urged the Medical Stores Department (MSD) to oversee local industries producing health products, including medicines and medical supplies, to enable these industries to grow and strengthen the country's economy.
During her visit to health product manufacturing facilities, including a pharmaceutical plant, medical devices, medical equipment assembly, raw materials (API), common utilities, and a logistics center located in Zegereni, Kibaha, Pwani Region, Minister Mhagama emphasized the importance of local production.
"President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed that both the public and private sectors contribute to economic development, the well-being of citizens, and the sustainable progress of our nation," Minister Mhagama, said.
"Today, we are here to observe how our partners in the private sector can contribute to development, particularly in the health sector. The government recognizes the significant investment in Pwani Region, with over 100 factories established in a short period," she noted.
Minister Mhagama elaborated that the health sector requires substantial investment in local manufacturing, as over 70-80% of health products in Africa are imported, leading to delays in availability. She encouraged the private sector to view this as an opportunity.
She highlighted additional benefits of domestic production, including reducing dependency, ensuring the availability of products tailored to national needs, selecting the most necessary items, and conserving foreign currency for investment in other areas.
Furthermore, Minister Mhagama announced that the government is preparing to implement a strategy to export health products, as Tanzania has already secured markets for these goods abroad.
"MSD has been granted the authority to distribute health products in the SADC market, thus it is essential for MSD to collaborate with local manufacturers instead of importing these products from abroad," Minister Mhagma said .
This initiative is a targeted strategy aimed at strengthening the health sector and represents a crucial approach to increasing the availability of pharmaceuticals within the country.
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