Warwick Rotarians aid medical relief project

WARWICK — The International Medical Relief Foundation, created and managed mainly by Hudson Valley Rotary volunteers, strives to bridge health care gaps worldwide. Headquartered in Newburgh, the organization collects surplus and outdated medical supplies and equipment for distribution to developing countries around the world.

The International Medical Relief Foundation “has developed a network of partners in the medical industry that have contributed surplus medical equipment and supplies to our organization,” Knut Johnsen, IMRF executive vice president and a former Rotary District Governor, recently told Warwick Valley Rotarians.

Included are donations of medical equipment from Orange Regional Medical Center, Helen Hayes Hospital, St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital and Catskill Regional Medical Center. Donations have also been received from medical clinics in the Hudson Valley and manufacturers of medical equipment.

The distribution in receiving countries is supervised by volunteers through the service network of Rotary International, which has 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide.

Dr. Hrusikesh Parida is the founder and chairman of IMRF. Another former Rotary district governor, Dr. Tamton Mustapha is president. Former U.S. Rep. Benjamin Gilman serves on the board of directors and serves as IMRF international coordinator.

Following Johnsen’s presentation, the Warwick Rotary Club presented $1,500 in donations to aid the relief project.