Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Limited access to essential medicines undermines the health systems’ objectives of equity,
efficiency and health development in many developing countries. The major factor associated
with limited drug accesses is the high price of medicines. The ability of local pharmaceutical
industries to manufacture essential medicines is an important contributor in facilitating access
and affordability of medicines. Currently, Tanzania’s local manufacturers can only supply
30% of the country’s need of essential medicines despite having several pharmaceutical
manufacturers.
Objective
The objective of this study was to determine the challenges that hinder local pharmaceutical
manufacturers from producing adequate supplies of essential medicines in Tanzania.
Methodology
Guided In-depth interviews with Chief Executive Officers/General Managers from all the
seven local pharmaceutical companies available in Tanzania were done to determine the
challenges. Eleven themes were identified and categorized using content relation analysis.
Results
The challenges identified by Tanzanian manufacturers were comparable to the findings of
studies conducted in other developing countries. What was unique in this study was that lack
of accessory industries was among the challenges that manufacturers perceived as hindering
increased capacity. In addition, in contrast to other studies requirement to adhere to Good
Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations was not perceived to be a challenge that hindered
increased production of essential medicine but rather an obligation for them to remain
competitive.
Conclusion
To increase capacity of local manufacturers a multi-sectorial approach is needed to address the
above identified constraints is required. A concentrated effort therefore should be put in by
both parties i.e. the government and local manufacturers for Tanzania to become self-sufficient
in terms of the manufacture of essential medicines.
