The Medical Stores Department (MSD) operates one of the most extensive and reliable health supply chain networks in Tanzania, ensuring the timely delivery of health commodities to all levels of health care.

MSD’s distribution system is anchored by Central Warehouses in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, which serve as hubs for storage and dispatch. From these centers, commodities are distributed seamlessly to the last mile through ten strategically located Zonal Stores in Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Mbeya, Iringa, Dodoma, Tabora, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, and Kagera. This zonal structure strengthens accessibility and reduces lead-time across all regions of the country.

MSD manages a modern fleet of 200 delivery vehicles, including Land Cruisers, MAN trucks, trailers, Scania, and Iveco models. The fleet delivers health commodities to more than 9,000 health facilities nationwide—ranging from hospitals and health centres to dispensaries—based on a bi-monthly delivery schedule.

This Direct Delivery System has greatly improved efficiency and reliability in service delivery by ensuring consistent availability of health commodities, faster emergency response, and stronger relationships with key stakeholders across the health sector.

To promote transparency and accountability, every delivery is recorded through a Proof of Delivery (POD) system—both digitally and in physical form. The POD captures key information such as the recipient’s name, delivery address, item descriptions, quantities, and delivery date. Upon delivery, commodities are formally handed over to the respective health facility committees, ensuring verification and acknowledgment at every stage.

Through this structured and technology-enabled system, MSD continues to uphold its values of reliability, integrity, and excellence in managing Tanzania’s public health supply chain, contributing to improved healthcare access and service delivery across the nation.