By Alfred Zacharia
On March 20, 2025, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called on national regulatory bodies to ensure that all locally produced goods, including health products, meet the required quality standards and can compete effectively in international markets.
The Prime Minister made this statement on Thursday, March 20, 2025, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a medical oxygen production plant.
Located at TOL Gases' facilities in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, the plant will help address the growing need for medical oxygen in Tanzanian hospitals and health centers.
"Products on the market must be safe, of high quality, and meet international standards," Majaliwa stressed.
He emphasized the importance of local products being competitive in the global market.
The oxygen plant, once completed in 2026, is expected to produce 4.1 million liters of medical-grade oxygen annually, reducing the cost of medical oxygen by 35% across the country.
This project, Majaliwa explained, will improve access to oxygen in hospitals and health centers, contributing to better healthcare services nationwide.
It is also part of the government's broader efforts to ensure easy access to medical oxygen at every health facility.
"This initiative will increase the availability of oxygen, reduce deaths caused by respiratory diseases, and lower maternal and child mortality rates across the country," Majaliwa added.
Dr. Godfrey Mollel, Deputy Minister for Health, underscored the importance of the project, noting that the oxygen produced will meet high-quality standards. This will enhance healthcare services and help reduce mortality rates related to respiratory illnesses.
During the ceremony, Daniel Warungu, CEO of TOL Gases, praised the government for its commitment to improving healthcare for Tanzanians.
He highlighted TOL Gases’ partnership with the government on various healthcare initiatives, including a 9.8 billion Tanzanian Shilling project to install oxygen distribution systems in 129 health centers across the country.
Warungu expressed pride in TOL Gases' role in ensuring the availability of medical oxygen, a vital resource for healthcare facilities, and reaffirmed the company's dedication to supporting the government's efforts to improve healthcare services.
The Prime Minister’s remarks and the development of this plant signal a significant step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that Tanzanian-produced goods meet the highest standards.