Pharmacists and Laboratory Specialists in the Kagera Region have been asked to recognize that the heart of the health sector lies in the availability of medicines and medical equipment and that ensuring that these products are not lacking in service delivery centers.

This was stated by the Chief Physician of the Geita Regional Hospital, Omary Sukari, at a discussion session on the availability of health products in the Kagera region, which includes the Saba district of the Kagera region and three districts of Geita.

Sukari said that the process of obtaining these products begins with experts by starting to make estimates every time the government financial year begins.

He said that there is every situation to check which products are available at a sufficient level, or are low and which quantities are not used and their use is unknown and cause the drugs to expire.

"The level of the centers should do that and all the way up to the region to the ministry until it reaches the delivery to our MSD colleagues who are sent the required orders," said Sukari.

He also said that a center with products makes the client feel comfortable when leaving the service based on the service he received through medical equipment.

"No client will leave a health center if his medical needs are not satisfied no matter what you have done for him," said Sukari.

The Manager of the Kagera Regional Drug Depot (MSD) Kalendero Masatu said, there are expectations of an increase in the availability of drugs by 70 to 80 percent.

He said, from July last year to the end of June 30 this year, the availability of drugs increased by 65 percent in the fourth quarter from 55 in the first quarter.

He added that the increase made there 90 percent of the availability of drugs in health service centers that make orders with (MSD) service providers who are pharmacists and laboratory specialists.

"And this makes for a better supply chain in the provision of medical equipment to health centers and to our Kagera region with two regions which are Kagera itself and Geita for some districts," said Masatu.

He said, orders are issued according to the needs of the customer in his center, which he understands based on estimates and helps ensure that they do not waste his time.