A Critical Review of Pharmaceutical Policy in Tanzania: An East African Perspective,

Title: A Critical Review of Pharmaceutical Policy in Tanzania: An East African Perspective Pharmaceutical policy is fundamental to effective health systems, influencing the availability, affordability, and quality of medicines. In Tanzania, as within the wider East African region, evolving policy frameworks continue to face persistent implementation and equity challenges, with direct consequences for maternal and reproductive health services. This policy brief provides a critical review of the development and implementation of national pharmaceutical policy in Tanzania, situated within an East African context. It aims to analyse major policy directions, identify systemic barriers to medicine access, and offer practical recommendations for reinforcing the supply chain for obstetric and gynaecological care. The brief is based on a desk review of published and grey literature, including policy documents, legislative texts, programme reports, and academic analyses. A thematic synthesis was undertaken to identify prevailing trends, implementation gaps, and stakeholder viewpoints. The review indicates that, while policy frameworks are largely comprehensive, a significant implementation gap exists between national policy and local practice. A central finding is the inconsistent availability of essential medicines, especially in rural public health facilities, which compromises emergency obstetric care. Fragmented procurement and distribution systems were highlighted as a principal systemic weakness. Tanzania's pharmaceutical policy landscape is conceptually strong but is undermined by operational and governance deficiencies. Without rectifying these implementation failures, progress towards universal health coverage and improved maternal health outcomes will be severely limited. Prioritise the integration and digitalisation of the medicines supply chain. Increase sustainable domestic financing for essential medicines and reinforce regulatory oversight of product quality. Formulate targeted strategies to guarantee the reliable availability of life-saving obstetric and gynaecological medicines at all levels of the healthcare system. Pharmaceutical policy, essential medicines, access to medicines, health systems strengthening, maternal health, Tanzania, East Africa This brief synthesises a critical analysis of Tanzania's pharmaceutical policy trajectory and its implications for maternal health, offering evidence-informed recommendations for policymakers.