Media Contact
Reanna Karousis
Marketing & Communications Manager
216.692.1685 | rkarousis@medwish.org
www.medwish.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | NEWS RELEASE
March 23, 2013
Northeast Ohio Medical Donations Improving Standard of Care in Tanzania
Tanzanian Medical Director Visits MedWish International to Report on Impact of Medical Surplus Recovery
Cleveland, Ohio – Dr. Damian Mpundu, the medical superintendent of a hospital on the east coast of Tanzania, visited MedWish
International on Saturday, March 23, to report on the impact of medical surplus donations on his hospital and community.
St. Raphael’s Hospital in Korogwe, Tanzania has received two 40’ container shipments from MedWish International over the past
two years. The shipments contained usable medical surplus donated by area health systems and have had a significant impact on the
hospital’s operations. St. Raphael’s has been able to overhaul its operating suite and to establish a nursing school that is training 100
women to be nursing assistants. Training aids donated by Case Western Reserve University’s nursing school were instrumental in
establishing the program. The shipment also contained what is now the only electrocardiogram machine in the region.
“The supplies from MedWish have increased the number of patients we can see, as well as quality and safety of services. Our diagnostic
capabilities have allowed us to attract more paying patients to the hospital,” said Dr. Mpundu. “This generates income that allows us to
serve those who cannot afford to pay. With continued improvements, we hope to become the leading diagnostic center in the region.”
The MedWish shipments to St. Raphael’s Hospital were made possible through a partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio and
through the support of Brother’s Brother Foundation of Pittsburgh. Arrangements for shipment of a third container are being made;
the diocese is hoping to raise $7,500 to fund it. Donations can be made to to MedWish and designated to the diocese’s shipment.
“Cleveland is a global center of medical excellence,” said MedWish International Executive Director Josh Kravitz. “We have the best
health care in our own back yard, and because of the generosity of our hospitals, volunteers and supporters, we are able to share these
resources with people who need them all over the world.”
About the Tanga Project
The Tanga Project is a collaboration between the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio and the Anglican Diocese of Tanga, Tanzania, with a
goal of improving the quality of health care for the Tanga Region. Through support from MedWish International, the project has
shipped multiple containers of surplus medical supplies and equipment, utilizing medical and engineering professionals from Ohio to
provide training and support. For more information, please contact Kelly Mackey at kelly@pobox.com or 216.694.8005 or visit www.
tangaohioconnection.wordpress.com.
About MedWish International
MedWish International is a Cleveland-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that recovers usable medical surplus from health care systems
and distributes these vital supplies to doctors, nurses and humanitarians to improve health care around the world. Since its founding in
1993, MedWish has kept millions of pounds of medical surplus out of landfills and has sent much-needed supplies to 90 countries all over
the world. For more information about MedWish, please visit www.medwish.org or call (216) 692-1685.
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