Tanzania: PM Orders Monthly Drugs Audit

What the report says

Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has ordered security organs to carry out monthly checks on how medicines are procured, distributed and used in public health facilities. The directive was issued during a visit to Busega District in Simiyu Region, where he raised concern that patients are still being sent to private pharmacies even though official reports suggest drug stocks are largely available.

According to the Daily News report carried by AllAfrica, the Prime Minister said information from his regional visits indicated medicine availability of 97% in district and regional hospitals and 96% in health centres and dispensaries. He argued that the gap between those figures and patient complaints points to possible failures in accountability, diversion or poor management of medicines bought with public funds. He asked that monthly reports be sent directly to him and warned that anyone found responsible should face firm action.

Dr Nchemba also used the address to warn public servants against turning away citizens because they had not booked appointments, and to caution health workers who allegedly demand fuel money from families before transferring critically ill patients. He said emergency care for pregnant women, accident victims and other serious cases should come first, with administrative steps completed afterward.

The article also notes that he linked some slower progress on road and water projects to the government’s focus on completing the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, adding that Tanzania has since changed how it channels development funds to improve financing for sector projects.