The Pharmacy Council of Tanzania has tightened rules on the sale of prescription-only medicines in a move aimed at reducing misuse and protecting public health. The updated guidance sets clearer limits for pharmacies and accredited drug outlets, especially on how controlled and prescription medicines are handled and dispensed. Officials say the changes are part of broader efforts to promote responsible medicine use across the country.
Why the Changes Were Introduced
Health authorities have raised concern over the growing misuse of prescription medicines. Poor dispensing practices can lead to serious consequences, including antimicrobial resistance, harmful side effects, failed treatment and delayed diagnosis. These issues place added pressure on the healthcare system.
Tumaini Makole, a pharmacist and Eastern Zone Coordinator, speaking at Morning Trumpet AzamTV today, said the revised regulations are meant to clarify what services Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets (ADDOs) are allowed to provide. The rules also define which categories of medicines may be dispensed at different levels of practice.
According to Makole, the goal is to strengthen professional accountability and improve monitoring of compliance. Prescription-only medicines, he said, must be issued strictly according to legal and professional standards.
Focus on Quality and Safety
Arafa Nshau, a pharmacist at the Council, noted that the regulator’s role includes ensuring that all medicines entering Tanzania meet required standards for quality, safety and effectiveness before they reach patients.
Oversight measures include registration and approval of products, inspection of pharmacies and drug outlets, monitoring of supply chains, post-market surveillance and action against regulatory breaches.
These steps are intended to reduce the risk of substandard or falsified medicines circulating within the health system.
Expected Impact
The revised framework strengthens compliance requirements for pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians and medicine outlet operators. Clearer rules, officials say, are essential for ethical practice and patient protection.
For the public, the Council expects the changes to lower the misuse of prescription medicines, improve medication safety and build confidence in pharmaceutical services nationwide.
