AMOR & DRE, Together Reduce Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates in Kabul, Afghanistan

The Opportunity

In 2009 AMOR, a non-profit based out of California, took on the task to outfit a 100-bed hospital located in Kabul, Afghanistan. The challenges seemed to have no end and included logistics of shipments, ordering an extensive list of medical equipment, sourcing from various companies, and finding a company that understood the limitations of technology and support in a dangerous location.

A major hurdle in the requirements of the hospital was to retrofit a kitchen, lab, laundry facility, and surgical unit with specific requirements. AMOR preferred to work with one source for all requirements to centralize ordering and streamline the process. AMOR also wanted to work with a company that understood the Afghan market and people and the limits of a specific budget.

Our Solution

After an extensive online search to locate a company that was approved to work with USAID was completed, Dr. Mark Scoffield found DRE. DRE's website offered a comprehensive selection of equipment that included technical specifications and easy navigation. After a visit to DRE's facility and detailed conversations with his dedicated Rep, Amanda Cannady, Dr. Scoffield knew Amanda was very capable of handling a large, complex project by intelligently presenting multiple options and alternative sources that focused on customization, attention to detail, and heading off challenges that could be presented with seeing over 8,000 patients each month on a regular basis.

DRE not only provided medical equipment for the complete hospital, but also offered customized stainless-steel options for several areas of the hospital. DRE also outsourced additional pieces of equipment to centralize shipping and addressed budget concerns, importation of shipments, and training for local medical and support staff. AMOR and DRE, together tailored an approach to healthcare for the unique culture that Afshar hospital serves.