The Government of Tanzania has announced plans to continue prioritizing locally manufactured medicines and health products through the Medical Stores Department (MSD), in a move aimed at strengthening domestic production, creating employment opportunities, and reducing dependence on imported medical supplies.
The announcement was made on May 11, 2026, by the Minister of Health, Mohammed Mchengerwa, while presenting the Ministry’s budget for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament in Dodoma.
He said the government has set a clear policy directing the Medical Stores Department (MSD) to first procure medicines and health commodities produced within the country, provided they meet the required quality standards approved by the regulatory authority.
The quality and safety of medicines in Tanzania are regulated by the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), which ensures that all locally produced or imported health products meet the required standards before being used in the country.
Minister Mchengerwa said the policy is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote local industries, expand industrial capacity in the health sector, and reduce reliance on imported medicines.
“Government is committed to ensuring that MSD prioritises the purchase of medicines produced locally that meet TMDA standards before importing from outside the country. This initiative is aimed at strengthening local industries, creating jobs, and supporting the national economy,” he said.
He added that the government will continue improving the investment environment for both local and foreign investors by enhancing access to land, improving infrastructure, and coordinating investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical and health products sector.
The Minister also noted that the government has allocated TZS 1.4 trillion to MSD to ensure the steady availability of medicines and essential health supplies across the country.
The funding is aimed at ensuring that health facilities receive supplies on time and that citizens do not face shortages of essential drugs.
He further revealed that the availability of essential health commodities has significantly improved, rising from 58 percent in the 2021/22 financial year to 88 percent as of March 2026.
Minister Mchengerwa said the Ministry of Health will continue to encourage investment in local production of health commodities while maintaining a supportive environment to attract more investors into the sector.
He emphasized that the government’s main goal is to ensure that all Tanzanians have access to quality, safe, and affordable health services without interruptions, as part of efforts to strengthen the national healthcare system.
