JMS, B Medical Systems to enhance Uganda's medical cold chain capacity
Feb 08, 2019
Dr. Bildard Baguma. the JMS executive director said the equipment is expected to boost Uganda’s progress in achieving the Global Vaccine Action Plan target of 90% national immunisation coverage by 2020.
The Joint Medical Stores (JMS) has partnered with B Medical Systems, a world-leading manufacturer for medical refrigeration and cold chain equipment, to equip health facilities with the necessary equipment for storage and diagnosis to ensure effective and efficient patient management.
Dr. Bildard Baguma. the JMS executive director said the equipment is expected to boost Uganda's progress in achieving the Global Vaccine Action Plan target of 90% national immunisation coverage by 2020. The current immunisation coverage in Uganda stands at 78% and could be enhanced if both the public, private and private not for profit sector health facilities are equipped with the necessary cold chain capacity.
"Amidst the growing numbers of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, the partnership is a step towards ensuring quality storage of the cold chain drugs like anti-diabetics-Insulin," Baguma said.
Obiely Tayoro, the sub-Saharan Africa Regional sales manager said that the vaccine refrigerators use solar power and have a capacity of powering other equipment, fitting into Uganda's setting where a number of health facilities are off the grid.
A worker at the Joint Medical stores in Kampala
Meanwhile, JMS has introduced a locally manufactured immune booster which will be used as a supplement to patients with different ailments.
Nutraceuticals- Replenish+ a supplement is being manufactured out of moringa and selenium at JMS based plant in Jinja.
Baguma said the new development is part of the government's initiative of Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU).
"We have recognised a need to build local capacity to manufacture quality health solutions," he said.
He made the revelation while announcing the institution's 40-year commemoration at their headquarters in Nsambya on Friday.
Baguma also said that plans are in advanced stages to manufacture medical sundries in order to boost the economy and ensure affordability of the health services.