TANZANIA has begun using locally manufactured disposable medical puncture and injection devices, thanks to a Turkish and Egyptian joint venture, officials say.

Mavere Tukai, the Medical Stores Department (MSD) director general, made this observation when visiting the site of Medical Dawlia Ltd, accompanied by officials of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) yesterday, to inspect its progress.

He said that the company will also manufacture IV drips and polypropylene sutures, ensuring that these products are branded as 'Made in Tanzania,' expected to be distributed across East Africa. 

“This is a major achievement, and we are proud of it,” he said of the Kigamboni factory, which has already started operating, receiving an order from MSD to supply one million syringes in the first batch.

The company plans to expand its reach to East African markets, with TIC director general Gilead Teri underlining that for the first time medical syringes will be locally produced and meet all local demand.

He described the Kigamboni investment as among the largest in the sector, making a difference as the country always relied on importing syringes. This is the beginning of using locally made medical devices, he reiterated

“We commend the government for creating a conducive environment as it has facilitated the investment we are witnessing today,” he stated, while company representative Ibrahim Khalile said that the company plans to expand its sub-regional reach more or less rapidly.

The focus at present is reaching production capacity to meet the growing demand, he said, citing the firm as a pioneers in Africa and the Middle East. It was established in 2004 to manufacture medical disposables, starting with conventional syringes and later expanding to self-destructive and safety syringes, he explained.

The company’s syringes are equipped with a clear graduated scale that allows clinicians to quickly verify precise dosages. An integrated plunger stop prevents accidental withdrawal of the plunger, while the absence of natural rubber latex components provides an extra layer of safety, he added.