How to introduce diagnostic ultrasound in medical institutions of limited resources

It is now generally accepted that diagnostic ultrasound may have a role in Medicine, independently of the technological level of a society, as well as of the geographical factors of influence on its pathology. This means that many countries require ultrasound equipment of low cost and a decision must be made as to what kind of ultrasound facilities to set up and how: a central ultrasound unit for general application or different specialized services in several hospital departments. Alternatively, it is suggested a combined action of the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, the ultrasound departments of highly developed countries, dealers and medical institutions of limited resources for the setting up of an ultrasound unit. This should be preceded by previous scientific training of medical staff of those institutions on the main diagnostic ultrasound applications, a survey of the potential users, a selection of the staff for the new service and continuous information. An outline of a proposal for that program is presented.