Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has called on traders across Tanzania not to exploit citizens by raising the prices of essential goods as the country approaches the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten fasting period.
He stressed that the nation currently has sufficient food supplies, making any price increases unnecessary.
Dr. Nchemba made the remarks on Thursday, January 29, while responding to a question from Special Seats MP Nancy Nyalusi during the daily Questions for the Prime Minister session.
The MP had sought clarification on government measures to ensure food security and curb price surges ahead of Ramadan and Lent.
“Currently, we have enough food. The country’s reserve requirement is about 150,000 tonnes, but we have over 400,000 tonnes in stock. I have even emphasized this to regional leaders, encouraging citizens to follow advice on what crops to plant,” he said.
The Prime Minister also instructed regional commissioners to educate communities on the wise use of food amid warnings of below-average rainfall issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA). “Citizens should conserve food and limit consumption to essential needs to maintain reserves,” he said.
On another issue, Dr. Nchemba directed the Ministry of Health to implement official service fee standards and fast-track legislation to ensure uniform charges across the country, addressing disparities that currently exist in different regions.
This follows a question from Ushetu MP Emmanuel Cherehani, who asked why citizens are paying for medical consultations even when doctors are government employees.
The Prime Minister said that under the National Health Insurance system, citizens are encouraged to join health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
He clarified that vulnerable groups, including children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, and patients with communicable diseases, continue to receive exemptions from medical fees.
Dr. Nchemba added that the government will closely monitor hospital operations to eliminate delays and negligence, while relevant institutions are instructed to fix systemic inefficiencies, emphasizing that healthcare services should not be postponed.