BY Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE — In a significant stride towards modernizing Eswatini’s healthcare sector, the Ministry of Health, led by Minister Mduduzi Matsebula, has unveiled the second consignment of high-tech equipment valued at approximately E37 million.
The electronic gadgets, funded through a Global Fund grant and procured by the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA), will support the rollout of the Electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS).
The consignment, worth US$2 million (about E37 235 660), includes laptops, desktop computers, and other digital tools designed to streamline and enhance the efficiency of healthcare service delivery across the nation. The equipment will not only facilitate the implementation of the eLMIS but also replace outdated devices currently used in various healthcare facilities to run the Client Management Information System (CMIS).
A Timely Boost for Healthcare Transformation
Expressing his enthusiasm, Matsebula remarked, “I’m elated that this batch is now here. The equipment has come at the right time as we are transforming the health sector, where technology is set to play a pivotal role. We are working hard to put in place systems that will strengthen the supply chain management of drugs and prevent any future crises.”
The eLMIS aims to integrate seamlessly with the existing CMIS and the NAVISION system, a warehouse management solution used at Central Medical Stores. This integration is expected to provide comprehensive, end-to-end visibility of medical drugs—from procurement to warehousing, distribution, and eventual consumption.
Enhanced Efficiency and Transparency in Healthcare
The implementation of eLMIS is anticipated to transform how medical supplies are managed by enabling digital order placements for drugs and pharmaceutical products directly from healthcare facilities to Central Medical Stores (CMS). It will also enhance stock monitoring capabilities, reducing wastage due to expired medications by facilitating better stock management and redistribution among healthcare facilities.
The system’s capabilities include:
• Digital Ordering: Facilities will place orders electronically, streamlining the supply process.
• Real-time Communication: CMS will manage and respond to orders digitally, ensuring transparency in stock availability.
• Improved Stock Monitoring: Facilities can monitor stock levels digitally, making informed decisions on reordering.
• Waste Reduction: By identifying and sharing drugs approaching expiry, eLMIS will help minimize wastage and improve service delivery.
Nationwide Rollout on Track
According to Dr. Nondumiso Ncube, NERCHA’s Executive Director, the equipment will be distributed to 102 targeted healthcare facilities as part of a phased rollout set to be completed within the next six months. Dr. Ncube assured that the Ministry of Health would oversee the proper utilization of the equipment to ensure it serves its intended purpose effectively.
The introduction of eLMIS is part of the government’s broader vision to harness digital technologies in transforming public health services. By providing real-time data access and enhancing supply chain management, the system is set to significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of healthcare services in Eswatini.
As Eswatini continues to embrace technology-driven solutions, the eLMIS rollout stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting current and future challenges.