JMS Launches Integrated Ordering System to Enhance Accountability in Medical Supplies

Joint Medical Store (JMS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has unveiled an integrated online ordering system designed for private, non-profit health facilities.

This innovative system is aimed at improving accountability and ensuring timely delivery of medical supplies across Uganda.

During the launch event held in Kampala, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, praised JMS for its forward-thinking approach.

He highlighted that the digital platform will streamline the ordering process, making it more efficient by moving away from manual methods.

"The system will help track orders and supplies more easily, reducing instances of overstocking and preventing the expiration of medicines in storage," Olaro said.

One of the key features of the system is its offline functionality, which allows health facilities in remote areas to fill in order forms without an internet connection and submit them when they go online.

"This will benefit even the most hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that health facilities can place their orders with ease," Olaro added.

He also emphasized that the system will help track the distribution of family planning commodities, aligning the supply with demand and minimizing wastage.

The data collected through the integrated ordering system will also inform government planning efforts, improving the overall efficiency of the healthcare supply chain.

Dr. Bildard Baguma, Executive Director of JMS, explained that the system will serve clients receiving commodities from the Government of Uganda and international partners such as UNFPA, USAID, and the Global Fund.

"Previously, the process was paper-based, requiring facilities to fill in forms manually, sign, stamp, scan, and then send them to JMS for processing," said Baguma. He noted that the new digital system will speed up order processing, saving both time and money.

Baguma further added that the online platform will allow for better planning and distribution of medical supplies, helping to avoid stockouts and ensuring timely delivery.

"We’ve seen situations where health facilities had to travel to internet cafes just to place their orders. This system eliminates that hurdle," he remarked.

UNFPA’s Country Representative in Uganda, Gift Malunga, emphasized that the system would address critical challenges within the healthcare distribution chain, particularly regarding the supply of reproductive health commodities.

"We have been facing issues like stockouts and the expiration of contraceptives in certain health facilities. With this system, we expect those issues to be significantly reduced," she said.

Malunga also noted that training will be provided to healthcare workers to ensure they are fully equipped to use the new system efficiently.

This partnership between JMS, the Ministry of Health, and UNFPA marks a significant step towards improving Uganda’s healthcare system, particularly in the area of supply chain management.