This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Humanitarian Health Fund
14/11/2005
Special grants are being offered to encourage more healthcare professionals to undertake humanitarian work in some of the world's poorest countries.
The Humanitarian Health Fund will award Scottish volunteers up to £5,000 each to cover travel and accommodation costs and help purchase essential equipment, which will be donated to the recipient country.
The fund is drawn from the Executive's international development budget of £3 million a year, which aims to help some of the world's poorest people. £50,000 will be awarded annually.
Speaking today ahead of her attendance at a VSO Photography Exhibition in Edinburgh, Minister with responsibility for International Development Patricia Ferguson said:
"I hope these grants encourage Scottish healthcare staff to volunteer for work in countries where health services have been severely compromised by lack of resources and personnel.
"Cash aid will help our healthcare volunteers tackle problems, such as a lack of basic equipment, head on, providing the resources to make a difference.
"Getting involved will also provide invaluable personal and professional benefits. Our focus is about sharing common humanity, and channelling funds to capitalise on, and harness, the skills of Scotland's healthcare workers."
The Humanitarian Health Fund will be available to individuals or organisations based in Scotland who have expertise in the planning or delivery of the full range of health services and social care. It will include not only NHS Scotland employees, but other appropriately skilled individuals/organisations, e.g. universities, health consultants, retired health professionals.
Applications will be invited early in 2006, and the first round of awards will be made by March 2006. A Panel of experts will be appointed to consider bids.