Challenges perceived by local pharmaceutical manufacturers that hinder adequate production of essential medicines in Tanzania

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.