The Medical Stores Department (MSD) is set to save more than TZS 2.3 billion annually following the construction of a modern warehouse in Dar es Salaam, a project expected to strengthen the storage and distribution of essential health commodities across the country.
The savings will come from reduced expenditure on leasing private warehouses, which MSD has relied on to accommodate growing volumes of medicines, medical equipment and other health products.
The project moved a step closer to implementation after MSD handed over project documents and a construction permit to China's Hainan International Company, which will build the new warehouse for the Dar es Salaam Zone.
Located at Keko, near MSD headquarters, the facility will occupy 3,900 square metres and is scheduled for completion within 12 months.
MSD Director General Mavere Tukai said the warehouse has been designed to meet modern storage standards while incorporating advanced technology and renewable energy systems to improve operational efficiency and lower energy costs.
“The project will not only reduce storage costs but also strengthen our capacity to manage and distribute health commodities more efficiently,” he said.
Mr Tukai noted that the facility forms part of MSD’s long-term strategy to modernise its logistics infrastructure and improve the resilience of Tanzania’s healthcare supply chain.
Once operational, the warehouse is expected to enhance MSD’s ability to store larger volumes of medicines and medical supplies, improve inventory management and ensure faster delivery of health commodities to healthcare facilities nationwide.
The investment is also expected to support government efforts to improve access to medicines and other essential health products by reducing supply chain bottlenecks and enhancing service delivery.
As demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the new facility is expected to play a critical role in ensuring reliable availability of medicines while generating significant savings for the public health system.
The project reflects broader efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s healthcare infrastructure through strategic investments aimed at improving efficiency, reducing operational costs and supporting sustainable development.
