Made in Tanzania
Tangent Production
action medeor Tanzania pioneered the local production of a hematology reagent called Tangent — becoming the first in the country to manufacture it domestically rather than relying on imports. The initiative reduces cost, improves accessibility for laboratories across Tanzania, and enhances healthcare outcomes through timely availability of accurate diagnostic consumables.
What is Tangent?
Tangent — Tanzania Reagent — is our own line of hematology device reagents produced locally at our Kibaha facility. We started production because procuring reagents had become increasingly difficult and expensive (fragile global supply chains, COVID-19), and local production in Tanzania reduces dependency on imports.
Background
A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most essential laboratory tests used to assess a patient's blood health, focusing on red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, along with their various parameters. It serves as a crucial tool for screening a wide range of disorders, as well as for monitoring disease progression or follow-up care.
To obtain accurate blood cell counts, a hematology analyzer is required. These devices come in various types, generally categorized into 3-part and 5-part analyzers, with the primary difference being the number of distinct white blood cell subtypes they can identify and report.
Automated hematology analyzers also rely on consumable reagents for operation, which is exactly what we manufacture locally.
We have a very strong Quality Management system which is in line with ISO13485 standards, to ensure that our products are of High quality.
Our Production is regularly audited by the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Device Authority(TMDA) and products are registered under TAN 23 MDR 0284.
Our extensive distribution network and innovative sales strategies ensure that our products reach every corner of the country, from Dar es Salaam to the most remote rural villages. With branches in Masasi, Makambako, Arusha, and Dodoma, we are committed to delivering our products efficiently. Additionally, we are expanding our reach beyond borders, with plans to export to neighboring countries in the near future.
Benefits of local production for Tanzania's healthcare system
- It reduces dependency on importations from other countries. E.g During the COVID-19 pandemic, procuring reagents became increasingly challenging and costly.
- Ordering from abroad often involved high minimum order quantities, elevated costs, long delivery times, and short shelf-lives.
- Local production in Tanzania helps reduce reliance costs significantly, and improve supply chain efficiency.
The number of patients seeking medical treatment abroad has dropped by 97 per cent, thanks to substantial investments done by government and foreign investors in improving health service provision in the country.
Efforts by the President to open up and encourage investment in the country particularly in the health sector has seen the only hematology reagent factory in Eastern and Central Africa being established in Tanzania.