MTWARA: THE Medical Stores Department (MSD) has received an award from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in recognition of its significant contribution to the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Programme, particularly in ensuring the availability of essential health commodities across the country.
The award was presented by the Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, on October 22, 2026, during the national launch of the second phase of the Universal Health Insurance enrolment programme, held at the Sabasaba Grounds in Mtwara Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, MSD Director General Mavere Tukai said the institution was committed to ensuring that quality essential health commodities were available on time and in adequate quantities to support the programme and improve access to diagnostic and treatment services for Tanzanians.
He explained that the availability of essential health commodities was fundamental to ensuring that people enrolled in the insurance scheme received quality, safe and reliable healthcare services whenever they visited health facilities.
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“MSD is committed to ensuring the timely availability of essential health commodities so that every Tanzanian covered by health insurance can access quality and reliable healthcare services,” Tukai said.
The award highlights MSD’s role as a key partner in advancing the Universal Health Insurance Programme. While insurance coverage helps people access healthcare, its effectiveness also depends on the availability of medicines, medical equipment and other essential health commodities at healthcare facilities.
The recognition underscores the importance of strengthening the healthcare supply chain to ensure that expanded insurance coverage translates into access to the services and treatment that beneficiaries need.