Abstract
Research carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that almost 95% of medics practicing in less developed countries are reliant on medical technology that has been imported.More than half of this technology however, is not utilised as staff have insufficient means to maintain the equipment or insufficient knowledge to operate it. Subsequently, there is inadequate provision for administering healthcare in the developing world.The 7th IET international conference provides delegates with a great opportunity to learn about the key issues surrounding healthcare provision in the developing world.The AHT 2012 organising committee welcomes contributions from, but not limited to, topics in the following areas:* Innovative technologies for patient and laboratory equipment* WHO tools and resources* Engineer and technician training* Equipment procurement and maintenance* Links between industrialised and developing world hospitals and healthcare centres* Indigenous technologies* Transfer and management of appropriate healthcare technologies* Safety and standards issues* Appropriate equipment donations* Telemedicine, e-health, m-health* Energy sources for healthcare equipment
