Portable Ultrasound Saves Lives in Remote Rural Central America

According to the World Health Organization (WHO; Geneva, Switzerland) over 60% of the world’s population has no access to diagnostic medical imaging such as ultrasound. To address the problem, Floating Doctors, a nonprofit, humanitarian organization in rural Central America and Haiti, uses open boats to provide healthcare to remote coastal communities.

FujiFilm SonoSite (Bothell, WA, USA), through its SoundCaring and other Global Health programs, supports programs like the Floating Doctors program by providing ultrasound equipment through loans or special pricing offers.

The Floating Doctors/Sonosite program is documented in a six-part video series, “Bridging the Gap” aimed to educate the general public about how hand-carried ultrasound equipment can be used in remote locations to prevent breach births in the jungle, and diagnose serious pediatric serious heart conditions.

Dr. Benjamin LaBrot, founder of Floating Doctors, said, “FUJIFILM SonoSite’s ultrasound equipment is uniquely suited for austere environments. Early diagnosis makes all the difference, often between life and death. The video series shows what difference physicians can make, and the reassurance that comes from a diagnosis on the spot with hand-carried ultrasound.”

Related Links:
World Health Organization
Floating Doctors
FujiFilm SonoSite