TANZANIA: THE government’s decision to intensify the crackdown on counterfeit and substandard medicines is a necessary step towards protecting public health in Tanzania.
Medicines are meant to heal and save lives, but fake or poor-quality products expose patients to serious risks and undermine public confidence in healthcare services.
Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa’s directives to the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) deserve support.
However, success will depend on effective implementation, adequate resources and sustained accountability. The World Health Organisation estimates that one in every 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries is substandard or falsified.
This highlights the urgent need for stronger surveillance, inspections and enforcement throughout the medicines supply chain.
Expanding TMDA’s regional presence would bring regulatory services closer to communities, strengthen inspections and improve responses to violations.
Enforcement must cover borders, ports, pharmacies, wholesale outlets and other distribution points.
Technology-based tracking systems would also help authorities trace medicines from manufacturers to patients and detect suspicious products.
Cooperation between TMDA, the Tanzania Revenue Authority, police, port authorities, immigration officials and local government authorities is equally important.
Joint inspections, intelligence sharing and consistent prosecution of offenders would help close loopholes exploited by illegal traders.
Public education should also encourage consumers to identify suspicious medicines and report suspected cases.
Integrating TMDA’s systems with the National Health Insurance Fund would provide another safeguard by preventing insurance payments for unregistered medicines.
Reliable digital systems and clear procedures will be essential to achieving this objective under universal health insurance.
Effective enforcement also requires regulatory independence.
TMDA must reject products that fail safety standards, regardless of pressure from influential individuals, investors or public officials.
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The advisory board must provide independent oversight, demand results and hold management accountable.
Tanzania’s ambition to produce 80 per cent of its medicines and health products locally by 2030 must go hand in hand with quality assurance.
Efficient registration, professional inspections and internationally recognised certification can attract investment and strengthen local manufacturers without compromising patient safety.
Ultimately, progress must be measured through fewer counterfeit products, effective prosecution, safer supply chains and increased public confidence.
The government must provide resources, while TMDA and its board demonstrate integrity and professionalism.
Protecting Tanzanians from fake medicines is a national obligation.
Firm enforcement, independent oversight and unwavering commitment to quality must translate the government’s directives into lasting public health gains.