NSAMBYA-As Joint medical store (JMS) marks 45 years of existence, it has listed its achievements as well as future aspirations.
At a joint Symposium of Bishops of Uganda members of Episcopal Conference as part of JMS 45 years commemoration and Launching of 50 years anniversary held at JMS head offices in Nsambya, Dr. Bildard Baguma the Executive Director of this Christian founded organization revealed that although they have registered tremendous success, they have laid strategies for more big things.
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“In 1979, JMS was started up in a container giving aid and Coordinating its distribution to facilities under its network. Under its good leadership and support from partners, it has now more than five well established branches country wide with construction of Gulu Regional ware house nearing completion.”
Baguma also pointed out that , few year back JMS opened up a subsidiary Company dealing in manufacturing of Medical Oxygen, Ultra scan gel, Sanitizers and they have plans of coming up with more new products on the market.
“Through production we have been able to create more employment for people. We have a plan of becoming the leading producers of health supplies and distributors of medical supplies in East African Region.”
Bishop Anthony Zziwa ,the Bishop for Kiyinda- Mityana Diocese, the Chairman for Uganda Episcopal Conference and also one of the participants in this year’s Symposium, revealed that the establishment of JMS has greatly helped the Catholic Church and Church of Uganda to successfully run well equipped medical facilities country wide.
“In this Symposium which always take place annually, as stakeholders check on how the organization has performed throughout the year in line with its Mission and vision. We also engage on how we can improve on JMS’s operations.”
Zziwa also commended the government for its continued support to JMS which has enabled the organization to grow.
Challenges
JMS being a non profit making organization serving people, its hard to pay competitive salaries to some of its staff compared to their counterparts in government.
“The retention of our staff suffers a lot like the Medical Doctors, in government they are highly paid more than on our facilities. However due to the good will of some of these people, have stayed with a purpose of serving the community.” Remarked Bishop Zziwa.
The delegation of Bishops was led by Archibishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu (Protestants) and Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere (Catholics).
Customers
According to Dr. Bildard Baguma JMS has clients who include: Government of Uganda, Hospitals, Non Government Organizations, Private health facilities at all levels, Pharmacies, Individuals from Uganda and with in some parts of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Joint Medical Store is a private-Not-For Profit (PNFP) Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that was established in 1979 as a joint venture between the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB) and the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau (UPMB) to engage in importing, exporting, and selling medicines and related health supplies.
