By Charles Mkoka
The Medical Stores Department (MSD) is making its presence felt in Dar es Salaam this week, where it is showcasing innovations and services at two major health exhibitions: the international MedExpo trade fair and the Rehabilitation Summit 2025.
Both events have brought together local and global players in the health sector, and MSD has seized the opportunity to underline its growing role in strengthening Tanzania’s health system.
At Medexpo, the department stood shoulder to shoulder with global stakeholders, using the platform not only to highlight new developments in health commodities but also to demystify its procurement processes.
Visitors got a closer look at the Nest system, which manages tenders and supplier participation. MSD officials broke down public procurement laws and procedures in plain terms, making it easier for potential suppliers to understand how to get involved.
The message was clear: transparency matters, and the door is open for more qualified partners to join the effort.
The crowds that gathered around the MSD booth weren’t just curious about regulations—they were eager to see the scope of what the department procures and distributes nationwide. From essential medicines and medical supplies to laboratory reagents and medical devices, MSD showcased the backbone of the country’s health supply chain, drawing interest from exhibitors and members of the public alike.
Meanwhile, at the Rehabilitation Summit 2025 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, MSD turned the spotlight on an often-overlooked but vital area: access to rehabilitation commodities. Here, the department made the case that a strong supply chain is as critical to rehabilitation services as it is to emergency care.
The booth drew high-profile visitors, including Dr. James Kengia from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, who was personally briefed on how MSD is working to ensure reliable access to essential products in every corner of the country.
For MSD, the exhibitions were not just about visibility but about reaffirming a promise. In a statement, the department underscored its commitment to professionalism, innovation, and expanding access to health commodities.
“We are proud to demonstrate how MSD continues to expand access to quality health commodities, not only within Tanzania but also beyond its borders,” it said.
The timing is significant. As Tanzania continues to invest heavily in its health sector, MSD’s role as the central player in guaranteeing the availability, affordability, and accessibility of medical commodities has never been more visible. These exhibitions offered a glimpse of how far the department has come—and a reminder of the vital role it plays in keeping the nation’s health system moving.