Tanzania-Shinyanga Procurement Scandal: Funds Misused for Blood Storage, Investigation Underway

By Adonis Byemelwa

Shinyanga: In a startling revelation exposing the pitfalls of integrity in public procurement, the Msalala Council in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, has launched an investigation into the procurement of household refrigerators intended for blood storage. This move comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of taxpayer funds and the compromising of essential healthcare standards.

This revelation comes after Dr. Rashid Mfaume, the Director of Health Services, Social Welfare, and Nutrition at the President's Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), disclosed procurement irregularities on April 10, 2024.

During a routine inspection aimed at evaluating the collaborative management of healthcare operations at Mwalugulu Health Center within the council, Dr. Mfaume uncovered unsettling findings.

 He revealed that two household refrigerators, each purchased for a staggering 3.8 million Tanzanian Shillings ($1,650), were designated for domestic use, raising concerns about their suitability for blood storage.

 Additionally, Dr. Mfaume flagged the reception of an anesthetic machine, procured for 140 million TZS ($60,800), without undergoing necessary inspection protocols.

Addressing the media, Dr. Mfaume emphasized the critical disparity between hospital equipment procurement and other acquisitions, stressing the stringent standards required for maintaining blood quality.

"Even the refrigerators we use for storing blood are not like those for fruits or other household items. They need to maintain precise temperature conditions to preserve the quality of the blood," he explained.

Hamisi Katimba, the Executive Director of Msalala Council, confirmed the commencement of an investigation into the matter and assured that disciplinary measures would be taken against those found culpable.

Amid concerns over improper blood storage due to the procurement of household refrigerators, stakeholders are emphasizing the critical need for adherence to established guidelines to ensure the integrity and safety of blood supplies.

Bernardino Medaa, the Blood Safety Advocate for the Central Zone, highlighted the significant disparity between household refrigerators and medical-grade ones in terms of temperature regulation standards.

He emphasized the necessity of utilizing specialized medical refrigerators endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) or local health authorities to preserve the viability of blood cells and maintain transfusion suitability.

As investigations unfold into procurement irregularities, stakeholders stress the importance of strict adherence to established guidelines to safeguard the quality and safety of blood products, prioritizing patient care above all else.

However, Tanzania faces challenges in maintaining integrity in its public procurement procedures, particularly within the health sector. The Controller and Audit General, Charles Kichere, has raised concerns about mismanagement and financial irregularities, citing instances where billions of taxpayers' money have been lost.

One notable example is the National Health Insurance, where allegations surfaced regarding the misappropriation of funds intended for labor delivery services. Men were accused of being paid for labor delivery, highlighting systemic flaws in the procurement and financial management processes.

To address these challenges, Tanzania must prioritize transparency, accountability, and adherence to procurement regulations. Enhancing oversight mechanisms and implementing stringent monitoring processes can mitigate the risk of financial mismanagement and corruption within the health sector.

Moreover, ethics play a pivotal role in the public sector, especially in procurement processes that directly impact essential services like healthcare. Tanzania must instill a culture of ethical conduct among public officials, emphasizing the principles of transparency, honesty, and accountability. By prioritizing ethical behavior, the government can cultivate public trust and confidence in its institutions, ensuring that taxpayer funds are allocated responsibly and effectively.

In essence, the improper procurement of household refrigerators for blood storage by the Msalala Council highlights the urgent need for reforms in Tanzania's public procurement sector. Strengthening oversight mechanisms, implementing comprehensive training programs, and promoting ethical standards are essential steps toward safeguarding the integrity of procurement processes. Only by upholding these principles can Tanzania ensure the efficient and ethical utilization of taxpayer funds, ultimately delivering quality healthcare services to its citizens.