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By Veronica Mrema - Tabora

The efficiency of operations within the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has surged significantly following a government initiative to enhance its technological capabilities. 

This boost has equipped TMDA to better fulfill its mission of safeguarding public health and more broadly, national security.

Over the past four years (2022–2025), TMDA has recorded major institutional progress with remarkable speed and scale.

“Including the increase in staff from 261 to 439,” said TMDA Director General Dr. Adam Fimbo.

Although their target was to reach 488 employees, the current staff represents over 95% of their projected recruitment goals.

TMDA achieved all this under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Dr. Fimbo shared these details during a one-day working session between TMDA which operates under the Ministry of Health and editors and journalists from Tabora, Kigoma, and Katavi regions. 

The session took place at TMDA’s Western Zone headquarters in Tabora region.

“Our core functions are product registration, post-market safety monitoring, and laboratory testing,” he emphasized.

“All these achievements are possible because we now have adequate human resources,” the Director General added.

To expand its operational scope, TMDA has completed the construction of a modern office building in Dodoma.

“We have a new laboratory in that building, completed in June this year, which has enhanced our ability to provide quality services to the public,” Dr. Fimbo said.

During the same period, TMDA has overseen the establishment of 18 pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing plants, primarily in Dar es Salaam, Kibaha, and Arusha.

“Each facility employs about 170 staff, creating job opportunities for health professionals and contributing to national economic growth,” he noted.

“Regarding product registration, TMDA has registered approximately 8,332 medicines and 3,000 medical devices,” he added.

“This has led to increased availability of safe pharmaceuticals and medical equipment that meet internationally acceptable standards, achieved,

".., in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Industry and Investment,” Dr. Fimbo stated.

In addition, TMDA’s revenue has grown, and it has paid TSh 23 billion in dividends to the government.

 The Authority conducts testing through three state-of-the-art laboratories in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza all of which are accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Technology remains central to TMDA’s strategy, as it has strengthened its systems to serve clients more effectively and eliminate bottlenecks in licensing processes.

“TMDA now conducts all activities electronically, enabling clients to apply for permits and receive services without visiting our offices,” Dr. Fimbo explained.

“Even when abroad, clients’ applications are received, processed, and returned within 24 hours,” he added.

This electronic system also facilitates cargo inspections at ports and border posts, thanks to TMDA officials stationed at these points, streamlining the Authority’s daily operations.

Since 2021, TMDA has held working sessions with editors and journalists to enhance public outreach and transparency concerning its mandate and achievements.

“Collaboration with media outlets has been a cornerstone of our success,” Dr. Fimbo emphasized.

“We appreciate the significant role of editors and journalists in accomplishing our objectives.

 Recognizing this contribution, we have an annual awards system for journalists who produce quality work,” he explained.

“TMDA cannot operate effectively without close partnerships with media stakeholders, who serve as a critical link between the Authority and the public. 

Through writers and editors, we are able to reach communities quickly and efficiently with accurate information on the proper use of medicines and medical devices,” Dr. Fimbo concluded.

Earlier, Clouds Media Group Chief Editor and session chairperson Joyce Shebe stated that journalists hold powerful tools for disseminating messages widely and swiftly. 

“It is our duty to actively participate in delivering this information to society. But first, we must be informed so we can do so effectively,” she said.

Dr. Honoratha Rutanisibwa, Regional Medical Officer of Tabora, also attended the session. Speaking before Tabora’s Regional Commissioner formally opened it,

She said, “TMDA, in this region, has worked well with the regional and council offices. 

"When we collaborate with TMDA on inspections and public education, we strengthen our capacity to curb low-quality medicines. This is the best way to protect the public from unsafe pharmaceuticals.”

She also praised the Western Zone Manager: “She has shown excellent collaboration with us, helping communities and enabling inspections of medical devices and diagnostics in our hospitals.”

Tabora Regional Commissioner Paul Chacha officially inaugurated the session and lauded TMDA’s partnership with editors and journalists. 

“Proper regulation of health products is essential for safeguarding public health,” he said, adding.., 

“We deeply appreciate this collaboration between TMDA and media outlets.

"Ensuring that information about medicines, medical devices and diagnostics reaches as many people as possible, accurately and timely.”

This session is part of TMDA’s strategy to continue raising public awareness of its work, the laws it enforces, and the progress it has achieved under President Samia’s leadership. 

The goal is clear, build a society with well-informed citizens capable of safely using medicines, medical devices, and diagnostics nationwide.

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