MGH Sends Equipment to Cuba
MANITOUWADGE GENERAL HOSPITAL DEVELOPES INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH
Local delivery person Jim Moffat picks up the equipment from MGH Imaging Technician John Oliviera
MANITOUWADGE, ON – December 7th Manitouwadge General Hospital delivered a used but still useful ultrasound machine to Medical Equipment Modernization Opportunity (MEMO) for use in equipment poor Cuba.
This diagnostic machine will be shipped to Placetas Cuba where it will be used as part of Cuba’s only breast screening program run by MEMO.
Ultrasonography is used to locate breast masses exactly so that a hollow needle can be inserted into the mass to obtain a sample. This sample allows a definite diagnosis. In many cases the mass is shown to not be cancer, saving the patient needless pain and suffering.
The ultrasound machine though still in good condition had been replaced by one that provided higher quality of images and could perform additional procedures such as echocardiography. In Canada it is considered older technology but in a third world country it is considered “State of the art” The use of mammography combined with ultrasound allows for early diagnosis of breast cancer with a 30% reduction in deaths. Marci Newton, Charge Technologist of the Diagnostic Imaging department of Manitouwadge General stated that: “We are very pleased that this obsolete equipment will find good use in Cuba. The only other option was to sell a few parts and throw the rest away. This way, it will help many more patients who really need it. This is a win-win for all.” Mr. Jim Moffat from Moffat Enterprises graciously agreed to take the equipment from Manitouwadge to Thunder Bay thus saving further shipping charges.
Cuba though blessed with well-trained healthcare providers suffers from a severe shortage of modern functioning medical equipment. MEMO has shipped forty ocean containers to Villa Clara Province in central Cuba over the last 6 years. During this time 18 medical/surgical/technical teams of volunteer Canadian health care providers have traveled to Cuba to insure the equipment is being properly utilized. Recently the Villa Clara Minister of Health stated “Since MEMO has been helping us, health care in our province has taken a 180 degree turn for the better!” MEMO receives no government funding and is dependent on donations such as this to continue its life saving and life enhancing work.
Manitouwadge General Hospital is an 18 bed health care facility providing a broad range of services to this remote Northwestern Ontario community 400 km north east of Thunder Bay.
Jocelyn Bourgoin, C.E.O.
Manitouwadge General Hospital
MORE INFO
- Visit the Manitouwadge General Hospital online
- Learn more about how redundant medical equipment is being put to good use.
