The Medical Stores Department (MSD) is responsible for procuring health commodities for both public and private health facilities approved by the Ministry of Health. As part of its core mandate, MSD conducts all procurement activities in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2023 (as amended in 2024), ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money in every transaction.

As the largest importer of health commodities in Tanzania, MSD sources approximately 80% of medicines, 90% of medical supplies, and laboratory supplies from various countries across the globe. In alignment with the Government’s initiatives to promote local manufacturing, MSD continues to prioritize procurement from both local and international manufacturers, with some preference provided to authorized dealers. This strategic approach aims to encourage domestic investment, strengthen national health security, and enhance accessibility, affordability, and timely delivery of health commodities.

To uphold the highest standards of quality and safety, MSD procures only those medicines, medical supplies, and laboratory reagents that are approved or fully registered by the relevant national regulatory authorities, namely: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), Government Chemist Laboratory Agency (GCLA), Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC)

Each product undergoes a rigorous evaluation process to verify its quality, safety, efficacy, and stability, ensuring compliance with national regulatory requirements and adherence to approved shelf life standards.

Through these measures, MSD reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a reliable supply of quality-assured, safe, and affordable health commodities to all health facilities across Tanzania.