Ghana Medical Equipment Repair Training Program

MediShare International in cooperation with
International Aid, Spring Lake, Michigan

In Ghana, West Africa (click here for map), as well as in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, more than 50% of medical equipment in health care facilities is inoperative. Heat, humidity, inadequately trained operators, erratic electrical current and insect and animal attacks on this equipment all contribute to its premature demise. It is prohibitively expensive to ship this equipment to Europe or the United States for repair.

International Aid (IA), an experienced international medical aid charity based in Spring Lake, Michigan, operates a Medical Equipment Training (MET) program to train and equip local personnel in Ghana to troubleshoot, repair and maintain diagnostic and laboratory medical equipment, much of which has originated in Europe and the United States, through charitable donations. Proper and continued operation of this equipment is essential for effective health services for the sick in this region. In addition to Ghana, International Aid has similar programs in Bangalore, India, and is preparing a program in the Philippines as well as planning future programs in Honduras, Kosovo, and South Africa.

IA's MET program provides workshops in medical equipment repair. They provide medical equipment troubleshooting handbooks intended for those with minimal training and basic English proficiency which cover a wide range of electronic equipment. The handbooks instruct the students in a set of basic steps to isolate and identify problems and to make adequate repairs. A set of 24 generic medical equipment manuals cover a wide range of medical equipment including X-ray equipment, enabling the technician-trainees to understand the operation of the equipment, follow the manufacturer's recommended trouble-shooting steps, make basic repairs and perform preventative maintenance. They also provide participating hospitals with comprehensive tool kits with a wide range of hand tools, a digital multimeter and biomedical test instruments.

Students Training medical equipment in Ghana, Africa

In March, 2001, MediShare International contributed $5000.00 towards enlarging and upgrading the IA's MET school in Ghana. We received the following communication (in part) from Mr. Mark Lundell of IA:

"On behalf of those who will be impacted by your gift, may I express our sincere gratitude. International Aid promises to be good stewards of the resources you and your committee have entrusted to us. As you know, the MET program is committed to meeting the needs of health facilities in the developing world. Your gift will make a powerful difference in providing critical skills and resources to hospitals and technical staff across Ghana, and in West Africa."

William Stenberg, DDS
Executive Director, MediShare International
May 30, 2001