Getinge is joining the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) initiative to help health care providers in East and West Africa get better access to life-saving equipment.

The IFC is partnering with medtech suppliers worldwide in an initiative called the Africa Medical Equipment Facility (AMEF), to help small and medium-sized health care providers in East and West Africa secure local-currency loans to purchase or lease needed medical equipment.

Smaller health care institutions in Africa often struggle to obtain financing to buy or rent advanced medical equipment because of the perceived high investment risk, limiting the ability to obtain critical equipment. In addition to enabling affordable, long-term fundings available, IFC and their partners in the AMEF initiative also provide clinics and hospitals with training to improve their financial management and medical equipment procurement strategies, as well as training and servicing for equipment obtained during the deal.

“In this joint effort we will not only make the devices more affordable, but also help build sustainable service plans for their continued use.”

The partnership is part of Getinge’s efforts to contribute to a more sustainable society where people get access to equal care, the company states.

“We are proud to be part of this initiative that helps patients and medical staff by ensuring the supply of critical equipment where it’s urgently needed,” says Sebastien Blanche, Global Head Getinge Financial Services at Getinge. “In this joint effort we will not only make the devices more affordable, but also help build sustainable service plans for their continued use.”

The AMEF initiative

IFC’s AMEF initiative is currently active in the countries of Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ghana. Partnering financial institutions currently include the Co-operative Bank of Kenya and NSIA Banque Côte d’Ivoire.

Photo: Getinge Laser marking instrument