Posted on :Friday , 10th October 2025

In order to increase domestic industry capacity, meet national demand and produce foreign exchange through exports, the Medical Stores Department (MSD) has advocated for increased investment in Tanzania's indigenous health product manufacturing sector.

Speaking at the Medical Association of Tanzania's (MAT) 60th anniversary and National Health Symposium today in Dar es Salaam, MSD Director General Mavere Tukai stated that over 80% of Tanzania's medical supplies are imported, primarily because local industries lack the capacity to produce them.

"Our industries' inability to produce at the necessary size and quality is the main cause of our heavy reliance on foreign health items. Increased investment in domestic production is necessary to meet this challenge", according to Tukai.

According to Tukai, MSD has already taken action by directing regional producers to start or increase the production of necessary medications based on their capacity. The goal of this program is to lessen reliance on imports.

"In order to increase the domestic manufacture of important pharmaceuticals, we have started forming agreements with local firms. Reliance on imports is steadily declining and we are already witnessing advancements in certain areas," he continued.

Tukai added that there is a significant need for health items in several Sahelian nations. Tanzania stands to gain economically and boost foreign exchange revenues through regional exports if it can enhance its manufacturing capacity.

As part of sustainable development initiatives in the health sector, the symposium brought together important players to discuss ways to improve healthcare delivery in Tanzania, including bolstering the infrastructure for producing medications and medical supplies.