The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing strong long-term plans to ensure a reliable supply of medicines and medical equipment across the country, aiming to address concerns raised by recent global discussions on access to healthcare resources.
Speaking on March 26, 2026, before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS in Dodoma, the Minister of Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, emphasized that the Government is well-prepared through coordinated, cross-ministerial collaboration to ensure the sustainability of these strategies.
He noted that Tanzania has a solid foundation for achieving greater self-reliance in the health sector.
Despite notable progress, the Government continues to strengthen efforts toward increased independence by investing in local pharmaceutical production.
This move is expected to significantly reduce reliance on imports and guarantee consistent access to essential medicines for all citizens.
“We are moving towards domestic production of medicines as a key strategy to eliminate dependence on foreign sources,” said Minister Mchengerwa, underscoring the Government’s strong commitment to this strategic goal.
In line with these efforts, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Mr. Emanuel Tayari as Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
His role will focus on spearheading investment promotion initiatives in the sector. Additionally, the Ministry of Health is expected to receive land in Mloganzila starting April 1, 2026, for the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS, Dr. Jonannes Lukumay, commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her visionary leadership in building a self-reliant nation.
He noted that her administration has laid a strong foundation for reforms in the health sector, particularly in promoting investment in pharmaceutical industries.
Dr. Lukumay further stated that the committee is satisfied with the Government’s success in significantly reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, a milestone that contributes to the country’s long-term social and economic well-being.
These efforts are further supported by a favorable investment climate, with more than 40 investors from various countries, including Germany and India, expressing interest in investing in Tanzania’s health sector.
Moreover, the Government holds a 70 percent stake in a pharmaceutical plant in Arusha, which is expected to begin production soon.
This development is anticipated to boost domestic capacity and reduce dependence on imported medicines, marking a major step forward in strengthening the national healthcare system.
