Pharmacists have been urged to play a central role in the ongoing transformation of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) as the institution seeks to enhance service delivery and meet the growing demand for modern healthcare.
Speaking during the climax of this year’s Pharmacists Week celebrations, MNH Executive Director, Dr. Delilah Kimambo, said pharmacists must keep pace with the reforms being implemented at the hospital and contribute actively to the vision of building a modern and patient-centred Muhimbili.
The annual Pharmacists Week is observed from June 10 to 16.
Dr. Kimambo said healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, need to understand the direction of the hospital’s transformation agenda, identify the requirements of the envisioned “new Muhimbili” and provide the professional input necessary to drive the changes.
She noted that the success of the reforms will depend on collaboration, innovation and the commitment of staff to embrace and support the ongoing improvements.
“Every employee has a role to play in this journey. Pharmacists are among the key professionals whose expertise is essential in ensuring that the hospital delivers quality, safe and efficient healthcare services,” she said.
She also called for stronger collaboration between pharmacists and other healthcare cadres, saying a multidisciplinary approach remains crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing operational efficiency.
The pharmacists, on their part, acknowledged the government and the hospital’s management for continued investment in medicines, medical equipment and modern infrastructure, which they said has strengthened the quality of services offered at the national referral facility.
According to them, the investments have improved the availability of essential medicines and enhanced the hospital’s capacity to provide specialised care to a growing number of patients.
This year’s Pharmacists Week is being commemorated under the theme “Pharmacy: The Key to the Health Sector Vision 2050,” highlighting the profession’s contribution to the long-term development of healthcare services in Tanzania.
The celebrations provide a platform for pharmacy professionals to reflect on achievements, discuss challenges facing the sector and explore strategies for improving pharmaceutical services in line with the country’s health priorities.
