KATAVI, March 16 -- PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed government authorities to ensure public hospitals and health centres are stocked with essential medicines, aiming to end the growing trend where patients are referred to private pharmacies to purchase drugs.

Speaking yesterday to residents of Nsimbo District in Katavi Region, Dr Nchemba said that despite sufficient government supplies, some health facilities still instruct patients to purchase medicines elsewhere.

“A tendency has emerged where funds for medicines are allocated to hospitals and health centres, yet patients are sent to buy them in pharmacies. This practice is unacceptable,” he said.

“Where does a pharmacy obtain medicine that the governm...