The Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) and Trade Mark East Africa (TMA) unveiled an information system (e-portal) to enhance efficiency and effective provision of services to clients.

The event was held in Dar es Salaam and witnessed by various stakeholders from within and outside the country and journalists from various media houses. The guest of honor was Prof Mohammed Bakari, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
TFDA Director General, Mr Hiiti Sillo, said the launch signifies a milestone for the process that started in 2011 whereby they have spent more than 300m/- million from their own sources in the development of management information system (MIS).
He said the portal will be helpful for data collection, storage and analysis pertaining to regulation of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and premises in the country, which will also help to reduce time for traders, improved service supervision and value for money.
“Such investment include development of the system, installation of power backup to ensure reliable supply of power, training of staff and stakeholders on application of the system,” said Mr Sillo. According to him, the portal is expected to speed up the processes for registration, import and exports, greatly enhancing business.
He said TMA has contributed 250,000 US dollars towards supporting the operation of digitalisation the system. Prof Bakari said the newly introduced system enhances efficiency in decision making and increase transparency and accountability.
He said through the system stakeholders will be able to find the list of registries and products by TFDA online. He said this is the implementation of the ministry’s policy of providing services online in order to improve services to stakeholders and clients.
“Congratulations to the information and communication technology (ICT) experts for creation of this system which will be available on the TFDA website, the system will help ease products registration and increase public awareness on counterfeit products,” he explained.
Earlier, Mr Sillo said that importers and exporters should consider that inspection and control of products remain untouched, but he insisted that all the products that will be commissioned online must be audited once they reach the country to ensure quality control.
TMA Country Director, Dr Josaphat Kweka said they are happy to have supported TFDA which plays an important role in protecting and promoting public health by ensuring quality, safety and effectiveness of food, medicines, cosmetics and medical devices.
He added that e-portal will enable traders who deal in importation, exportation and distribution of foodstuffs, medicines, cosmetics material and medical devices to apply and have approval for all the mandatory certificates required online.
“It will also enable officers to access lodged documents electronically while providing them an interface with Tanzania National Electronic Single Window System which will lead to faster issuance of import and export certificates/ permits hence enhancing trade facilitation,” he said.
Source: Daily News

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.