SOURCE:
IAMERS (International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers)
85 Edgemont Place
Teaneck, NJ 07666

CONTACT:
Diana Upton
201-357-5400

For Immediate Release

IAMERS PRESIDENT CALLS FOR RELAXATION OF AFRICAN TRADE BARRIERS TO PERMIT INCREASED U.S. EXPORTS OF PRE-OWNED MEDICAL IMAGING EQUIPMENT

(Washington, D.C.) IAMERS President and Executive Director Diana Upton applauded the recent efforts of President Obama to encourage U.S. companies to trade with Africa. Speaking about President Obama’s “Doing Business in Africa Campaign” and his recent meeting with fifty African leaders, Ms. Upton commented: “IAMERS stands ready to provide much needed medical equipment to Africa. There is a pressing demand for the pre-owned MRIs, CTs and other imaging equipment which IAMERS members sell and service. All of the major U.S. Hospitals have recognized that pre-owned medical equipment has been a win-win for patient care. We know that IAMERS members can also help African hospitals. IAMERS members can provide the crucial spare parts and assemble the technicians to help support this effort. One of our IAMERS members is working successfully in Cameroon and we hope to spread the word”.

Ms. Upton further commented that “Unfortunately, despite the pressing need in Africa and the U.S. companies who stand ready to export excellent medical equipment, several African countries, including some who attended the President’s meeting last week, maintain procurement policies which restrict or discourage the purchase of pre-owned medical equipment.” The U.S. International Trade Administration in its extensive review of the global import market for pre-owned medical devices, lists Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Tanzania, and other African  countries as imposing licensing and ‘safety reviews’ which restrict rights for importation in some manner.[1]

Ms. Upton expressed her hope that the U.S. Government would tie the announced initiatives in new U.S. financing to a reduction in the trade barriers of African countries for the sale of pre-owned U.S. medical equipment. “We hope that the billions committed by the U.S. come with an understanding that the countries receiving these initiatives will not tie the hands of IAMERS members who wish to provide desperately needed medical equipment. There must be a comprehensive effort so that the pre-owned equipment makes a difference in patient care and is supported. For that, we need the cooperation of African government partners. Opening markets for pre-owned equipment, will help patient care and encourage servicing support.”

[1] For further information, see “Global Import Regulations for Pre-Owned Medical Devices”, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/publications/pdf/medical2008.pdf.

IAMERS was formed in 1993. Our membership is worldwide and represents the best companies ranging from the largest OEMs to smaller highly specialized ones that sell, service and finance pre-owned medical imaging devices.

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