It looks we share the same challenges everywhere feb this year we had a training in Kisumu Kenya, this was about , Senior Health care managers of EastAfrica (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) coming together to come up with solutions to proper equipment management that will result in better health delivery.
Well the five days we discussed our problems we found out that we share the same challenges, Biomeds here few of them luck even workshops where they can even work from, they ve got no tool kits, mention a few of the problems we face in our health units, Finance guys never even have a maintenance budget.
So we have alot to sortout, myself i have had chance to travel abroad, worked on various projects for both Government and faith based health units, what i have seen is the same almost.
We should never stop fighting for our cause"YES WE CAN"
Roman Kasirye| MD Meridian Tech Systems | PLOT 1 BOMBO ROAD SURE HOUSE GROUND FLOOR P.O.Box 5984 Kampala-Uganda )Tel: +256-414-269-977|Cell: Whatsapp +256-772-497-222
How can we help, Roman? My group is not for profit, has no hidden agenda (whether political or religious, or, for that matter, commercial), but is focused solely on bringing biomedical engineering services where they are most needed, pure and simple!
Simply put, I believe it's clear that the root of your problem is funding. That is, lack of. Well, Mate ... join the club!
We all have this great resource right in front of us ... that is, this forum. We never had this before. As I have remarked previously, the internet has changed the name of the game, and "leveled the playing field" you might say. So let's use it to "share the wealth" (of knowledge, experience etc)! Or even as a "shoulder to cry on" (as we sometimes see) ... don't mock it; it can be a real blessing, especially when you're struggling on, alone, in trying circumstances.
It looks like we now may be well on the way to cracking the "manuals" problem.
But, apart from that, how do we help with training, tools, test equipment, parts ... and all the rest? Some of the medical charities people I know receive "wish lists" from their friends overseas. So let's have your wish list, Roman. And don't forget to tell your friends out there as well.
Meanwhile, do I need to travel around the UK shaming people into giving up some of their surpluses? Do I need to start raising funds (something I've never tried, and frankly doubt that I'd be much good at)?
The best thing I can do is to appeal for help right here. And by "help" I'm talking about funding ... or sponsorship, and "special deals" on things like tools, test equipment, shipping costs, workshop space, storage, petrol, finance (plus my own expenses) and all the rest.
The need is there, and the cause is just, but there's too much "pussy footing" going on. Life is short, and it's passing us by. You (potential sponsors) know who you are. So let's hear from you!
I think that what you'll find is that posts that become or are vacant will not be filled. Alistair Darling has already indicated that there will be a freeze on public expenditure for possibly the next 3 years. Therefore budgets will be frozen and lean management will be de rigeur. Unfortunately Geoff, this will also mean the demise of locum/agency staff.
I thot the gov't should provide the support during difficult time like this and instead spend more on employing more staff to keep down with the unemployment. But obviously this is not the case.
Make the impossible POSSIBLE. I know we all can and it is the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.
The Public Sector is more bloated than ever (in the UK), Roger. Don't worry about that!
The first "freeze" we all want to see is a "freeze on sleaze"! That is, snouts booted out of the trough at Westminster. They could certainly do with a bit of "lean management" applied to some of the ample girths on gross display there, for sure.
There is a perception that it is only so-called Third World governments that are corrupt. If that is indeed the case, then they're not the only ones, believe me!
It has taken me many, many years (why so long?) to come to the realisation that governments are not really there to serve the people at all. No, that's all a pretence. They are actually there to serve their own fat selves, and those who "support" them.
The people (those who still have a bit of sense, left that is) need to fend for themselves. Otherwise you end up with the sorry mess that we have in the UK, with most of the people (50% or more, surely?) dependent in some way or other on the State. Which is, of course, exactly what "the State" wants ... that is, control over everyone's lives. "From the Cradle to the Grave" sounds about right.
By the way, we also have a Police Force (I can't bring myself to use the modern word Service) that serves the State, and not the people (a Police State, then? ... I'll leave you to judge).
Meanwhile, we English will carry on as we always have done, cheerfully (?) paying for every other Tom, Dick and Harry (please insert other names as appropriate) whilst being shafted ourselves. I, for one, want my Country back!
So the familiar phrase of 'it is not what you think' has its place for reference. You may be right as every human being has a self fulfilling way of making things happen for themselves and which stands to benefit them in certain ways. We cannot find an ideal example anywhere in the world when it involves politics. So be happy!
Make the impossible POSSIBLE. I know we all can and it is the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.
Britain (if I may call it that) used to be the best country in the world. It may well still be, for all I know (all things being relative). But, for some strange (or, perhaps, sinister) reason that I have yet to really fathom, there appear to be dark forces at work intent at destroying our country, our culture and traditions, and all that it (and we) stood for.
The originator of this thread asked about the challenges we face ... at base, they are such as those just touched on, I would reply.
The problems facing Biomeds in Africa, will range from 1. Training 2. lack of tool kits 3. Spares for the equipment? 4. The equipment being Obsolete 5. Biomeds here have never used the internet, am lucky myself that i can pay for this servise 30GBP per month and very slow, well it serves the purpose since am 24/7 using it. 6. Workshops also luck, you find a Biomed given just a store next to a mortuary to work there. 7. Many Hospital adminstrators never recognise what Biomeds do.
Geoff the workshop we attendend in feb09 was funded by WHO/GAME we actually came up with solutions but to me its gonna be long time since our goverments only satisfy there stomachs and family.
Geoff, we shall be great if this assistance works out.
Roman
Roman Kasirye| MD Meridian Tech Systems | PLOT 1 BOMBO ROAD SURE HOUSE GROUND FLOOR P.O.Box 5984 Kampala-Uganda )Tel: +256-414-269-977|Cell: Whatsapp +256-772-497-222
WHO has been talking about all this for at least 25 years to my certain knowledge. I don't know about you, Roman, but I doubt that I've got that long left!
Forget them. And forget your corrupt officials too. My own (once great) country has sent £££ billions in so-called aid over the years ... so that's clearly not the way, either.
Forget all that. The only way for biomeds to make any real progress is to get off their butts and do it for themselves.
Looking at your points:-
1) Training. Be specific. How many guys? At what level are they at now? If we train one good guy (by bringing him to Eastwood Park [we'll shame them into footing the bill], in the UK, for instance), can he then go back and train the others?
2) Tools. Tell us what you want, and we'll make an appeal (and, possibly, a few scrounging visits). Don't forget test equipment.
3) Spares. Again, give us your lists. Send them here if you're able to pay something (you will be offered preferential rates, I'm sure). If not (that is, you can't pay) ... see 4) below. You can also list your requirements right here on this forum.
4) Equipment. Send your "wish lists" here, and here! Plus your "begging letters" to Mike Hilditch here! And, of course, by all means let your needs be made known right here on this forum. UK hospitals are chucking out good kit the whole time!
5) Internet. Yes, the guys need access to it. What's the score out there (what's the problem)?
6) Workshops (next to Mortuaries). Well, that's almost a tradition, I'm afraid. And does it really matter, just as long as there is power etc.?
7) Adminstrators. Then tell them (hopefully they have sufficient intelligence to be able to understand)!
