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Medical Stores Department (MSD) – Organizational Profile

The Medical Stores Department (MSD) is a government agency under the Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania, established with the primary mandate of ensuring the production, procurement, storage, and distribution of approved health commodities for the nation. Since its inception, MSD has remained a cornerstone of Tanzania’s health sector by safeguarding access to essential medicines, medical supplies, laboratory reagents, vaccines, and other critical health commodities that sustain quality healthcare delivery across the country.

MSD’s mission is deeply rooted in supporting the health system by making sure that every citizen, regardless of location, has access to reliable, affordable, and high-quality medical products. In fulfilling this mandate, MSD operates with a vision of becoming a trusted leader in public health logistics and supply chain management, not only within Tanzania but also across the wider region. Its work directly contributes to strengthening the resilience of the healthcare sector, reducing stock-outs in facilities, and promoting equitable access to medicines.

Procurement and Quality Assurance
MSD is responsible for the centralized procurement of health commodities, which ensures efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging economies of scale, the department negotiates favorable pricing and ensures that all products meet internationally recognized quality and safety standards. The procurement process is guided by national policies, international guidelines, and strict regulatory frameworks to guarantee that only approved commodities enter the national supply chain. MSD collaborates closely with both local and international suppliers, development partners, and regulatory authorities to ensure adherence to Good Procurement Practices (GPP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP).

Storage and Warehousing
To efficiently serve the entire country, MSD maintains a modern and well-coordinated warehousing system that ensures commodities are stored under optimal conditions. Central warehouses and zonal stores are equipped with climate-controlled environments, cold chain infrastructure, and computerized inventory management systems to safeguard the integrity of all commodities. With a strong focus on innovation, MSD continuously upgrades its storage facilities to meet global best practices and to ensure that products retain their quality throughout their shelf life.

Distribution and Last-Mile Delivery
Distribution is at the heart of MSD’s operations. The department has established a reliable transportation and distribution network that connects central warehouses to regional and district health facilities across Tanzania. This system is supported by a fleet of vehicles, robust scheduling systems, and partnerships with private sector logistics providers where necessary. By adopting advanced route planning, GPS tracking, and demand forecasting tools, MSD ensures that commodities are delivered in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner, even to remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Innovation and Digital Transformation
In response to the growing complexity of health supply chains, MSD has embraced digital innovations to strengthen its operations. Systems such as electronic logistics management information systems (eLMIS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, and mobile-based ordering platforms have been deployed to improve accuracy, accountability, and transparency in the entire supply chain. These digital tools empower health facilities to place orders directly, monitor stock levels, and track deliveries in real time, thereby reducing delays and inefficiencies.

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