High-Level Guide to Ethical Donations of Medical Equipment

There are major global inequalities in healthcare, especially between high-income countries and low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), largely due to a lack of medical equipment in LMICs. Donating surplus or outdated equipment is a common way to address this gap, often led by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), governments, and private groups. While such donations can greatly improve healthcare access, they also come with challenges, including ethical concerns that can limit their effectiveness.

While many studies have explored best practices for donating medical equipment to low- and middle-income countries, this document focuses specifically on guiding NHS boards through a structured process. Its goal is to ensure donations are effective and beneficial, while avoiding common pitfalls and unintended negative consequences.