By Aggrey Twesigye
Joint Medical Stores (JMS) has donated assorted essential medical supplies to support rehabilitation services at Ruharo Mission Hospital, particularly its rehabilitation arm, Ruharo Organized Useful Rehabilitation Services (ROURS).
The facility, established by the Ankole Diocese, focuses on rehabilitating children born with disabilities, providing critical care to improve their quality of life.
Speaking during the handover, Geoffrey Tusiime, Manager of JMS Mbarara Branch, said the donation is part of the organization’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Community Health Program, recently launched nationwide to support communities where JMS operates.
He revealed that JMS has committed UGX 500 million over five years to community health initiatives, with UGX 125 million allocated to rehabilitation centres. Five facilities have already been identified to receive UGX 25 million each.
Tusiime added that JMS also plans to conduct community outreach programs, including medical camps, to improve access to preventive and primary healthcare services.
Dr. Beckson Tayebwa, Director of Ruharo Mission Hospital, welcomed the support, noting that the hospital, in partnership with other stakeholders, offers free surgical services to children with disabilities. However, he said the facility is overwhelmed by the growing number of patients and lacks adequate resources.
Arron Ndyowaawe, a programs administrator at the facility, highlighted the urgent need for more partners, citing a shortage of essential surgical equipment and the absence of a pediatric intensive care unit.
The centre receives an average of 7,500 patients quarterly and attends to about 3,500 children annually. Despite operating on a budget of UGX 600 million, Ndyowaawe said at least UGX 1.2 billion is needed to adequately meet the demand.
