Funny that, I was approached by a surgeon from Sudan just the other day basically begging for surplus equipment to send/take back to Khartoum. I gave him the usual
speil about the need for technical skills at his end. As I’ve probably mentioned before, I’ve actually seen the results (disappointment, shall we say) of sending out faulty/incomplete/lacking in technical documentation/spare parts/ accessories etc., etc. equipment to countries in need. I have even volunteered my own services at both ends of the journey on many occasions (with no takers, I might add). These days I am very sceptical about donating equipment. Does it make people feel good, salve the conscience, or what? The last thing Khartoum needs is yet another pile of junk (oil-rich, or not). What it really needs is people to go out there and lend a hand. Let’s be practical, guys, and not end up makings things worse!
