By Audra Poe
There is tremendous need for working medical equipment in developing countries, which are home to more than 80 percent of the world’s population.
Just like any other mechanical device, medical equipment needs to be maintained and repaired when problems arise. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates nearly 70 percent of medical equipment in developing countries is not functional. Without functioning medical equipment, hospitals and clinics are unable to diagnose and treat patients.
Indianapolis-based TRIMEDX Foundation is a self-governing 501(c)(3) charitable organization working to provide its services to impoverished communities around the world. The foundation partners with U.S.-based medical surplus recovery organizations (MSRO) to prepare and repair medical equipment for international shipment and to assist hospitals in developing nations with optimizing donated medical equipment.
MSROs accept donated medical equipment, and TRIMEDX Foundation works alongside them by providing expert assessment, repair and consultation. Volunteers work with MSROs by repairing medical equipment and preparing it for international shipment to ensure it fits the needs of the receiving facility and is received in good working condition.
Denise Sears, president and CEO of Supplies Over Seas in Louisville, Kentucky, cannot highlight the value of responsible donation enough.
“Working with MSROs is important for health care organizations wanting to donate equipment overseas,” says Sears. “While the donor may be well intentioned, uncoordinated shipments could contain items that are expired, or lack accessories, parts or manuals. Matching medical equipment with the needs of our partners is critical.”
This good work would not be possible in the United States and abroad without the dedication of dedicated volunteers. TRIMEDX Foundation volunteers work tirelessly to keep facilities and life-saving medical equipment repaired and maintained. The heart, compassion and devotion volunteers bring to serving hospitals, clinics and patients around the world expand the mission, increase capacity and deepen the impact of TRIMEDX Foundation.
TRIMEDX Foundation, in cooperation with MSROs, is available to educate donors and recipients to ensure donated equipment is appropriate, in good-working order and includes accessories.
For more information regarding TRIMEDX Foundation, MSRO partners or volunteer and donation opportunities, contact TRIMEDX Foundation at 317-275-1558 or missions@trimedxfoundation.org.