At Medica 2011 in Duesseldorf, Germany, the first ACUSON X150^TM ultrasound system was donated to the Doctors of the World international organization. For every 50 ultrasound systems that are sold, the non-profit aid organization will receive one Siemens’ ultrasound system. The donated systems will be used to provide high quality care for patients throughout the world who have limited or no access to such care. To this point, 70 systems have been sold, and counting.

Siemens and doctors partner up
The Medica trade fair is known for its international guests as over half of the visitors come from abroad. It is also considered a world leader amongst medical trade fairs. This year nearly 140,000 visitors attended. It is here where Siemens presented the Doctors of the World organization with its new ACUSON X150 ultrasound system.

Peter Schwick, MD, a Corporate Officer for Doctors of the World, represented the aid organization by accepting the ultrasound system at the Medica trade fair. The first ACUSON X150 system will be used for a project in Ukraine that provides medical care for patients facing hardship – especially refugees and migrants. The system is planned to be used for a variety of ultrasound imaging functions. "The main emphasis will be on examining pregnant women as well as on pediatric care where ultrasound plays an important role in diagnostic findings,” said Schwick.




Additional projects are expected
In the near future, Siemens expects to donate yet another ACUSON X150 system to Doctors of the World which has been planned for use in Munich, Germany. Schwick, who works as a volunteer pediatrician for Open.med, describes the project: “Open.med is an important location for Germany. The program focuses on people without health insurance. In Munich alone, there are an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people looking for assistance who could be helped tremendously with an ultrasound system donation.”