The Tanzanian government has uncovered widespread irregularities in the procurement and distribution of medicines and medical equipment, resulting in losses amounting to Sh26.7 billion. The findings, revealed through an official investigation, are expected to lead to disciplinary action against officials linked to the scandal.
The investigation committee was established in February 2021 after persistent complaints over shortages of medicines and essential medical supplies in public hospitals, despite a sharp increase in government spending on the health sector. The report noted that the procurement budget had increased dramatically from Sh31 billion in the 2015/16 financial year to Sh270 billion in 2020/21.
According to investigators, several referral hospitals were involved in negligence, theft, and violations of procurement procedures. In some cases, medical equipment failed to reach the intended health facilities, while medicines were purchased without approval from authorized drug committees, leading to wastage as some expired before being used.
The committee further identified weak record-keeping systems in hospitals, particularly concerning patients receiving treatment under government exemption schemes. Officials said the poor documentation contributed to weak accountability and the misuse of public resources.
While receiving the report in Dar es Salaam, former Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima assured the public that the government would take strong measures against those responsible.
“We will address all issues raised in the report and ensure appropriate action is taken,” she said.
The report recommended disciplinary action against health ministry employees connected to the losses and called for a reassessment of contracts issued to private suppliers of medicines and medical equipment. Authorities also pledged to review the operations of regional hospital boards in an effort to improve oversight and accountability within the healthcare system.
The scandal is the latest in a string of financial controversies that have affected Tanzania’s health sector, including incidents involving expired medicines, procurement irregularities, and the misuse of public funds.
The Tanzanian government has uncovered widespread irregularities in the procurement and distribution of medicines and medical equipment, resulting in losses amounting to Sh26.7 billion. The findings, revealed through an official investigation, are expected to lead to disciplinary action against officials linked to the scandal.
The investigation committee was established in February 2021 after persistent complaints over shortages of medicines and essential medical supplies in public hospitals, despite a sharp increase in government spending on the health sector. The report noted that the procurement budget had increased dramatically from Sh31 billion in the 2015/16 financial year to Sh270 billion in 2020/21.
According to investigators, several referral hospitals were involved in negligence, theft, and violations of procurement procedures. In some cases, medical equipment failed to reach the intended health facilities, while medicines were purchased without approval from authorized drug committees, leading to wastage as some expired before being used.
The committee further identified weak record-keeping systems in hospitals, particularly concerning patients receiving treatment under government exemption schemes. Officials said the poor documentation contributed to weak accountability and the misuse of public resources.
While receiving the report in Dar es Salaam, former Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima assured the public that the government would take strong measures against those responsible.
“We will address all issues raised in the report and ensure appropriate action is taken,” she said.
The report recommended disciplinary action against health ministry employees connected to the losses and called for a reassessment of contracts issued to private suppliers of medicines and medical equipment. Authorities also pledged to review the operations of regional hospital boards in an effort to improve oversight and accountability within the healthcare system.
The scandal is the latest in a string of financial controversies that have affected Tanzania’s health sector, including incidents involving expired medicines, procurement irregularities, and the misuse of public funds.
