MEDICAL STUDENTS LAUNCH OVERSEAS AID PROJECT

The experience of working in poorly equipped hospitals in countries such as Malawi has prompted medical students from the University of New South Wales to launch what is believed to be an Australian first - the Medical Student Aid Project.

The aim of the project is to supply specifically required medical equipment to hospitals in developing countries where UNSW medical students undertake volunteer elective placements.

Some 30 of the University's medical students are involved in MSAP, which is believed to be the first overseas aid project to be initiated and organised by medical students.

The students are targeting corporations, hospitals and Area Health Services to solicit donations of basic medications and surplus or redundant surgical and medical equipment, and are appealing to the public for financial support, to fund the transport of much needed equipment overseas.

The Medical Student Aid Project will be officially launched at 6pm tonight (Wednesday 18 July) in the Functions Room, Edmund Blacket Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick. Guest speaker will be Dr Gabrielle Casper, President elect of the Medical Women's International Association.

For further information about MSAP, contact Anna Fairburn on 9799 7972 or e-mail msap@medmail.com.

Media contact: Judy Brookman, Media Manager, Public Affairs and Development, UNSW. Phone 9385 3249 or mobile 0421 061 251.

Date issued: 18 July 2001