Safe and Sustainable Medical Equipment Supply (SASMES)
Ten years ago, I assisted in an emergency surgery, in a low income country, to save the life of a young woman. The surgery was done under local anaesthetic, with only head torches for light and just a few instruments.
Many health professionals work in hospitals and clinics with limited provisions – sometimes even without reliable electricity and water.
Some of our colleagues in some low income countries work under challenging conditions. We can help them.
“A world where everyone has access to good and safe healthcare, supported where necessary, by appropriate technology and equipment.”
Many low-income countries rely significantly on the donation of medical supplies, devices and equipment.
Many Rotary projects involve donations in kind or the purchase of vital medical supplies, devices and equipment to hospitals, clinics or health posts in low- and middle-income countries.
Such projects save lives and help raise the standard of medical care, provided they are properly planned and coordinated.
Do you have access to medical equipment suitable for repurposing?
Would you like to see such equipment put to good use to save lives?
Here are some simple steps you could take.
What happens to decommissioned medical equipment?
Inspired by our findings and guidelines, we created the Re-processing Medical Equipment: Rotarian Research Group for the Environment (Re-MERGE) to expand on these challenges. Their research findings are now making waves!