The success of investment in pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries in Tanzania will depend on strong collaboration between the government, private sector, professionals, and development partners to ensure faster production and improved access to essential health products for citizens.
This was stated on May 8, 2026 by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, during the laying of the foundation stone for the Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Industrial Park at Mloganzila in Dar es Salaam.
Dr. Shekalaghe said the government is committed to ensuring that citizens benefit directly from investments in the health sector through improved availability of medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment produced locally.
He noted that the ongoing progress in the sector is the result of coordinated efforts through the Pharmaceutical Industrial Acceleration and Facilitation Taskforce (PIAT), which was established to fast-track investment processes and remove bureaucratic delays.
He said the taskforce has played a key role in bringing together different stakeholders, allowing decisions to be made faster and ensuring that projects are implemented more efficiently for the benefit of the public.
According to him, this approach has strengthened cooperation between government institutions and investors, creating a more favorable environment for industrial growth in the health sector.
Dr. Shekalaghe commended leaders, technical experts, and all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the projects, saying their dedication and teamwork are helping to transform the country’s healthcare system.
He stressed that continued improvement of systems and removal of administrative bottlenecks will be critical in ensuring that investment projects are completed on time and deliver value to citizens.
He further emphasized that the government will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure Tanzania becomes a regional hub for the production of medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies for both domestic use and export to other African countries.
He explained that strengthening local production will reduce dependency on imports, lower healthcare costs, and improve the availability of essential medicines in hospitals and health facilities across the country.
Dr. Shekalaghe also called on health workers to continue serving the public with professionalism, compassion, and integrity, noting that their commitment is central to improving healthcare services in the country.
He said health workers play a crucial role in ensuring that citizens receive quality services and that ongoing reforms in the health sector succeed in improving overall wellbeing.
The Mloganzila Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Industrial Park is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen industrial development in the health sector, attract investment, and improve access to essential health products for all Tanzanians.
The initiative is expected to create jobs, enhance local production capacity, and ensure that citizens benefit from a more reliable and affordable supply of medical products.
