The Medicines Distribution Center (MSD) has met with more than 200 manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of health products from abroad and within the country to discuss ways to improve cooperation and enhance the availability of health products in the country.

At the event, the Minister of Health, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, explained to the stakeholders that the government continues to improve cooperation with the private sector to promote the establishment of health product industries in the country.

The main intention is to reduce the use of foreign currency to purchase health products from abroad, where currently 85 percent of these products are imported from abroad.

For his part, the Registrar of the Treasury, Nehemia Mchechu, has stated that his office is ready to support MSD in the establishment of health product industries in collaboration with the private sector, as it is among the areas given priority by the government.

For her part, MSD Board of Trustees Chairman Rosemary Silaa said that engaging with stakeholders and discussing issues is important in improving services, while MSD Director General Mavere Tukai explained that procurement systems have been improved, including entering into long-term contracts with manufacturers.