Tanzania, March 15 -- Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Health is preparing new guidelines aimed at reducing the cost of medicines, medical procedures and treatment for Tanzanians, with implementation set to begin in government hospitals.

The Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, said at the weekend that the move is intended to ease the financial burden on citizens, many of whom struggle to afford specialised treatment and essential medicines.

Launching of the Ongea na Waziri (Talk to the Minister) programme at Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, Mr Mchengerwa spoke directly with members of the public by phone for the first time since the initiative was introduced in January.

Mr Mchengerwa said the ministry has already directed th...