Abstract:
Background: Regulation of the pharmaceutical sector is a challenging task for most governments in the
developing countries. In Tanzania, this task falls under the Food and Drugs Authority and the Pharmacy Council. In
2010, the Pharmacy Council spearheaded policy reforms in the pharmaceutical sector aimed at taking over the
control of the regulation of the business of pharmacy from the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority. This study
provides a critical analysis of these reforms.
Methods: The study employed a qualitative case-study design. Data was collected through in-depth interviews,
focus group discussions and document reviews. Data was analyzed thematically using a policy triangle framework.
The analysis was done manually.
Results: The reforms adopted an incremental model of public policy-making and the process was characterized by
lobbying for political support, negotiations and bargaining between the interest groups. These negotiations were largely
centred on vested interests and not on the impact of the reforms on the efficiency of pharmaceutical regulations in the
country. Stakeholders from the micro and meso levels were minimally involved in the policy reforms.
Conclusion: Recent pharmaceutical regulation reforms in Tanzania were overshadowed by vested interests, displacing a
critical analysis of optimal policy options that have the potential to increase efficiency in the regulation of the business
of pharmacy. Politics influenced decision-making at different levels of the reform process.