The EQUALS Initiative was established in 2013 by the HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. To date approximately 15 hospitals have donated equipment, coordinated by the HSE National Lead for Medical Equipment. A number of companies have also donated equipment – e.g. more than €50K worth from MDI Medical and 68 endoscopes from Swords Medical. The RCPI has provided dedicated administrative support and €8k for start up funding.
Prof Frank Murray, Consultant at Beaumont Hospital and Dr David Weakliam with container of medical equipment from Irish hospitals being shipped to Zambia (October 2014)
- In October 2014 a 40 foot container was sent to Zambia with donated medical equipment for Monze Hospital, University Teaching Hospital Lusaka, Ndola Central Hospital, Livingstone Hospital and the NORTEC Biomedical Training Institute.
- Maternity equipment has been collected for a new maternity hospital in Ngoma, Uganda.
- Collaboration is progressing between RCPI and Zambian Ministry of Health to develop a programme for post graduate specialist medical training.
