Finally, some more exciting stuff…
Appliances and Equipment
There are various medical appliance and -equipment suppliers that are happy to help doctors kit out their new practice. You can consider renting the larger or more expensive appliances (like ultrasound machines) or even purchasing them second-hand. The cost of medical equipment and appliances can be significant, so make sure you did your research when setting up your business plan so that your capital or loan will be sufficient.
Below are lists of appliances and equipment that you are required to have in your practice. Please note that the lists are not comprehensive.
Appliances and equipment required for emergencies:
- ECG machine.
- Oxygen port or cylinder.
- Defibrillator.
- Ambu bags.
- Endotracheal tubes.
- Laryngoscopes.
- Suction device (manual or electric).
- Nebuliser.
- Infusion sets.
- IV fluids (0.9% saline, etc).
- IV cannulae.
- Drip stand.
- Strapping.
- Cord clamps, etc.
Other appliances and equipment required:
- Baumanometer (manual or automatic) with different cuff sizes.
- Pulse oximeter.
- Glucometer.
- Thermometer.
- Haemoglobinometer.
- Ophthalmoscope and otoscope.
- Urine testing strips.
- Pregnancy tests.
- HIV rapid testing kits.
- Substance tests.
- Tongue depressors.
- Scale.
- Gloves.
- Dressings.
- Plaster of Paris casts.
- Crepe bandages.
- Urethral catheters.
- Autoclave and UV steriliser.
- Procedure equipment:
- Needle holder.
- Stitch scissors.
- Artery forceps.
- Pincettes.
- Surgical blade holder.
- Cutting scissors.
- Suturing material.
- Syringes.
- Hypodermic needles.
- Webcols/cotton wool.
- Tourniquet.
Some other helpful equipment and appliances to have:
- Cholesterol meter.
- Electrocautery set.
- Snellen chart.
- Liquid nitrogen or another cryotherapy tool.
- Glue stitch or steri-strips.
- Specialised wound dressings.
- Resin casts.
- Splints for fractured limbs/digits.
- Crutches.
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