MedPLUS Connect

MedPLUS Connect is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect underserved health systems in developing countries with recovered and donated medical supplies from U.S. hospitals and manufacturers. Currently, United States hospitals spend over $700 million USD annually to dispose of over $6 billion USD worth of medical supplies, many of which are recoverable and reusable. Since patients are often billed for all consumable supplies that enter their hospital room, enormous quantities of clean, unused supplies must be disposed of or donated. Hospitals also donate high value medical equipment, such as anesthesia machines, when they upgrade their working equipment to a newer model. MedPLUS Connect partners with hospitals and health centers in Ghana to create a direct link with recovered supplies from the United States. Before sending medical supplies, the MedPLUS Connect team conducts one or more site visits at each Ghanaian hospital to meet with physicians and administrators, tour the facilities, and discuss the specific needs of the center. We work directly with hospital officials to develop a prioritized request list that details the specific equipment and supplies that the hospitals needs most. Unlike many organizations that send donations without first consulting the recipients, our approach ensures that our shipments of medical supplies are compatible with the needs, resources and technologies of our partner hospitals in Ghana. After receiving a request list, we work with our partners in the United States, including hospitals, non-profit supply recovery warehouses and medical manufacturers to fill the needs of our partner hospitals. We are able to provide all types of medical supplies, ranging from gloves and gauze to syringes and needles, as well as medical equipment, hospital furnishings and hospital beds. Unlike other organizations that depend on philanthropy to fund the costs of shipping medical supplies, MedPLUS Connect is dedicated to operating in an economically sustainable way that allows us to build long-term, dependable relationships with our recipient health centers. Thus, we charge recipient health institutions in Ghana the cost of storing the supplies in warehouses in the United States, shipping and trucking from the United States to the destination in Ghana, and a surcharge that allows us to purchase electrical compatibility equipment for medical machines, conduct site visits in Ghana, and remain a sustainable organization. Because shipments are sent in bulk, and large quantities of basic consumables are provided alongside hospital beds, and high-value medical machines, health systems are able to save money and have access to otherwise unaffordable equipment. Funding shortages are a significant issue for many of our partner hospitals so we also work with the Ghana Ministry of Health to help cover the costs associated with each shipment. Finally, we recognize that the provision of quality healthcare extends beyond the access to medical supplies and equipment. We work with our donors and partner health centers to identify additional ways in which we can improve care, such as providing solar lanterns to rural clinics and developing medical education resource centers.