In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued, "Medical Device Donations: Considerations for Solicitation and Provision," a report to support its strategic objectives to "ensure improved access, quality and use of medical products and technologies."

The document provides an overview of the issues and challenges surrounding medical device donations, and offers considerations and best practices that may be useful for making and soliciting donations. The document highlights the importance of an active participatory role for the intended recipients of medical equipment donations and emphasizes the importance of treating donations with the same rigor typically applied when purchasing medical equipment.

CHA hopes you will review the WHO report in its entirety, paying special attention to the section on best practices for donors and donation solicitors (which CHA terms MSROs). Topics include:

• Active engagement by best practice.
• Recipient engagement.
• End-users and patients needs.
• Regulatory and policy considerations.
• Considerations for existing local markets of medical equipment.
• Considerations for established procurement systems.
• Considerations for public health needs.
• Inclusion of health facility input when donations are coordinated at a national level.
• Considerations for support for installation, service and supplies.
• Consideration of special environmental and human resources to support equipment.
• Communication.
• Considerations for special situations.

Download the entire WHO report