One of the ways the Vellore Board USA helps CMC carry out its mission is to facilitate the donation of medical equipment, supplies and textbooks to the hospital and college. The Government of India imposes several restrictions on donated medical equipment and supplies as well as heavy duties and possible confiscation if the proper procedures are not followed. And, unfortunately, many generous and well-meaning donors, unaware of the limitations and circumstances, can find their good intentions and donations wasted if those limitations and circumstances are not considered.

Regulations

The Vellore Board USA helps to screen potential gifts in the USA and ships such gifts to India duty-free under the Indo-US Agreement. CMC in Vellore is recognized under the Indo-US , Indo-UK, and Indo-German Agreements to receive donated medical equipment and supplies without payment of any duty if sent through the appropriate and recognized channels. In the United States such gifts-in-kind are processed by the Vellore Board in partnership with Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) and Church World Wide Service (CWS). In the United Kingdom, these are processed by the Friends of Vellore; and in Germany by W.E.M.

Nothing is shipped without the ultimate recipients in Vellore first indicating that the items are needed and desired, and then getting the necessary clearance from CWS and its counterpart in India (for USA) so that the items qualify under the Agreements concerned. In the case of medical supplies, the government will not allow the import of expired supplies or supplies that come in packages with expiration dates when the original packaging has been removed.

Procedure

1. Write to the Vellore Board USA with a detailed packing list.
2. Include information on make, model, specifications, electrical specifications, and repair history, if any.
3. The Vellore Board USA will pass on the information to CMC/Vellore.
4. The appropriate people at the hospital will evaluate the feasibility of accepting the donation. (including whether spare parts and service is available in India).
5. If the donation is accepted, the Board will be notified and an A/request will be issued.
6. The Board will then notify the donor who can send the donation to IMA for processing and shipment to India under the Indo-US agreement, duty free.

For the Donor

The value of the donation is noted by the donor. Since the Vellore Board USA is a recognized 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, any donation of goods and/or money is tax deductible. Contact the Vellore Board USA by letter or e-mail with any questions.

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