Local development of bio-medical technology-a must for the Third World

Very little of the modern developments in Bio-Medical engineering (BME) has benefitted the Third World. Some of the major reasons are identified. It was found that equipment developed and made locally can offer continued service and the low wage can reduce the cost considerably. Besides, new developments will take place while solving local medical problems with the acquired expertise. A proposal is made to establish BME centres in the Third World countries and a network be set up between them with collaborating centres in some of the developed countries. Commercial firms can also contribute in this scheme.