Alibaba Group has launched a business-to-business sourcing platform to expedite the delivery of medical supplies to areas hit by the coronavirus.
The Alibaba Global Direct Sourcing Platform will match sellers of medical supplies and their products with affected hospitals and local authorities.
Specifications for supplies sought, including types, models and quantities, will be laid out for the procurement process to begin.
Items sourced through the platform will go to hospitals through the Green Channel established by Alibaba’s logistics unit, Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, with partners to handle shipping, handling, customs clearance and delivery.
Alibaba published an open letter to suppliers around the world that said: “The battle against the virus is at a crucial stage. Our goal is to connect the global supply chain with those in need of supplies in a more expedited and efficient way. With your trust and effort, together, we will overcome this crisis.
“This is our pledge: No matter where your goods are, we will deliver them to frontline medical personnel in the fastest and safest ways.”
As of February 3, Alibaba had delivered medical supplies from 15 countries to 18 hospitals in Hubei, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.