DAR ES SALAAM: Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has directed public health facilities across the country to ensure medicines purchased with government funds reach patients, warning that authorities will take action against those diverting drugs to private pharmacies.
Speaking during a visit to Butiama District in Mara Region on Friday, Dr Nchemba said the government has achieved a 95 per cent availability of medicines in public health facilities, yet many patients continue to be referred to private pharmacies to purchase drugs that should be available in government hospitals.
“The availability of medicines in the country stands at 95 per cent, yet whenever patients visit health facilities, they are told to buy medicines from private pharmacies. Where do those pharmacies obtain medicines that government hospitals supposedly do not have, if not the very medicines procured by the government?” he asked.
The Prime Minister said information received by the government indicates that some individuals deliberately withhold medicines supplied to public health facilities in order to increase sales through privately owned pharmacies, denying patients access to essential treatment.
He directed health authorities to ensure all medicines are procured, distributed and managed through the approved government systems, adding that every shilling allocated for medicines at dispensaries, health centres and hospitals must be fully accounted for, including records of procurement, storage and distribution.
“The government cannot continue receiving positive reports while citizens continue to suffer from shortages of essential medicines,” Dr Nchemba said.
He stressed that accountability, integrity and quality public service delivery remain among the government’s top priorities, saying the principles continue to reflect the values championed by the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
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The Prime Minister also instructed the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) to dismiss public servants found embezzling public funds instead of transferring them to other institutions. He said those involved in corruption should face legal action, while honest public servants must refuse to protect colleagues engaged in malpractice.
Dr Nchemba reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening justice, accountability and good governance, saying President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to advance those principles through legal, policy and administrative reforms.
“During the August parliamentary session, we will amend and repeal laws that continue to cause hardship for Tanzanians,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking at a separate public meeting in Tarime Constituency on Wednesday evening, Dr Nchemba directed all local government authorities to allocate five per cent of their internally generated revenue to the development of business infrastructure.
He said the funds should be used to improve trading areas and acquire land where necessary to create a more conducive environment for young people and women to engage in productive economic activities.
“Do not send young people to conduct business in remote areas that do not suit the nature of their activities,” he said.
