Tanzania wants more than a half of medicines used in the country manufactured by local companies in the next five years reports local media.
“We are working with the Ministry of Trade and Industry in a special strategy in which in the next five years, 60 per cent of all medicines needed are manufactured locally.” Said Dr Hamisi Kigwangala, Deputy Minister for Health, Social Development, Gender, Elderly and Children at the Tanzanian National Assembly on Tuesday
Local production will allow patients in Tanzania to get prescribed medicines at affordable prices. A special government body will be tasked with setting indicative prices for all pharmacies and health facilities across the East African nation.
“Our ultimate goal is to reduce foreign exchange spending for drugs importation and ensure better patient care” said Dr Hamisi Kigwangala
The Medical Stores Department will be buying medicines directly from the manufacturers to ensure drugs are available in the market and to keep the prices low.
