In order to provide a complete solution, WHIA has developed partner relationships with key vendors. Sedecal, a global OEM manufacturer of x-ray systems, has partnered with WHIA to provide the WHO-approved x-ray machine. "Sedecal is honored and excited to be able to join this project," says Manuel Martinez-Garcia, President and CEO. "WHIA will make a difference in diagnosis and, thus, improve healthcare in developing and remote areas of the world. Sedecal's commitment is to assist WHIA on the technical side, putting its engineering resources at the disposal of the project and developing the x-ray systems for these special applications. Sedecal has also invested in WHIA by donating equipment and manufacturing equipment at a discounted cost."

Digital medical imaging is provided through a relationship with Carestream Health, a global company providing medical and dental imaging systems and information technology solutions. Several of Carestream Health's Point of Care CR systems have been donated for use in the pilot installations. "We welcome the opportunity to support WHIA's ongoing efforts to find sustainable solutions to the unique challenges facing the delivery of healthcare in developing countries," said Diana Nole, President, Digital Medical Solutions, Carestream Health. "Medical imaging systems play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disease. The availability of even just a few high-qualty imaging systems can help improve the health of thousands of people in impoverished regions of the world."


The software systems that manage the digital images have been provided through a partnership with Merge Healthcare, a leading medical imaging software solutions company. Merge has pledged staff time, software licensing and product development assistance for the current and next generation of WHIA solutions. Merge is currently working to develop a new generation of its world renowned MergeBox™ to encapsulate a site's total image management requirements in one rugged box. "Sustainable digital imaging solutions require solid, intuitive image management," says Justin Dearborn, CEO. "Merge Healthcare has been delighted to provide this to WHIA, as well as to work together on the broader vision of providing diagnosis and data anywhere in the world."

Another key facet to WHIA's ability to provide a sustainable solution is its partnerships within the academic community. "By establishing close ties to the local universities in the communities with WHIA sites, we've significantly increased the odds of a successful implementation and the sustainability of these clinics. Local universities serve as an anchor for WHIA's efforts and an ongoing resource for the clinics," explains Matt Glucksberg, Professor and Chair of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, and a WHIA Board member.

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