Standard OR monitors should not only be available to those who can afford them

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First, consider the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring: “During all anesthetics, a quantitative method of assessing oxygenation such as pulse oximetry shall be employed.” One item in the surgical safety checklist developed by the World Health Organization is “Is the pulse oximeter on the patient and functioning?”

Second, as an example, compare the GDP per capita in the United States ($47,200, according to a 2010 estimate) to Uganda ($1,300 in the same 2010 estimate). Anesthesiologists in Uganda and many other developing countries cannot afford to buy a pulse oximeter. In a recent study, the authors estimated that almost 20% of ORs worldwide had no pulse oximeters. Finally, consider that citizens of the developed world have a moral obligation to help the citizens of developing nations, especially if it comes at relatively little cost to them.

Lifebox is an organization whose goal is to “…raise the safety and quality standards of global healthcare.” Their statement of purpose reads:

1. To preserve and protect the health of patients worldwide by providing and assisting in the provision of equipment and support services in low resource and lower-middle income countries at no or reduced cost.

2. To advance the education in healthcare of the general public and especially those in the medical or similar professions by the provision of education and training worldwide.

View their video about pulse oximeter donation:

Read their blog, safersurgery.

Then, consider donating by clicking here. In the US, the contribution may be tax deductible. Readers from the UK or Canada should first click here. For more information, all should go to www.lifebox.org.