Client / Sector: National Renal Care Services – Sudan
Partner: Baxter/Gambro (now Vantive)
Timeline: 2012 – 2025
Role: National Renal Care Partner & Service Recovery Lead
Background & Challenge
In 2012, Sudan’s renal care sector faced a critical operational crisis. A large proportion of hemodialysis machines across the country were non-functional due to prolonged downtime, absence of structured after-sales support, and severe shortages of spare parts. These challenges directly threatened continuity of life-saving dialysis services and placed significant pressure on public and private healthcare facilities.
During this period, Samasu Medical & Educational Services (SMES) was appointed as the local representative of Baxter/Gambro (now Vantive), inheriting a market in urgent need of stabilization rather than commercial expansion.
Phase I: Rescue & Service Restoration
SMES initiated a rescue-focused intervention, prioritizing patient access and system recovery over short-term profitability.
Key actions included:
- Deployment of highly qualified biomedical engineers across dialysis centers
- Rapid sourcing and supply of critical spare parts
- Distribution of over 250 complete maintenance kits, provided free of charge, to restore idle dialysis machines
- Emergency technical support to bring facilities back into safe operation
This phase successfully restored service continuity across multiple centers and re-established trust with healthcare providers and authorities.
Phase II: Capacity Building & Sustainable Growth
With operational stability achieved, SMES transitioned into a long-term growth and sustainability phase, focused on strengthening local capacity and clinical excellence.
Initiatives included:
- Structured training programs for clinicians, technicians, and biomedical engineers
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiatives
- Knowledge transfer aligned with international renal care standards
- Support for Sudanese renal specialists to participate in regional and international conferences
This approach ensured not only functional equipment, but also skilled teams capable of maintaining high-quality renal care services.
Impact & Results (2025)
Today, Samasu is recognized as a market leader in renal care solutions in Sudan, with measurable national impact:
- Supporting over 75% of hemodialysis services nationwide
- Providing comprehensive dialysis solutions, including:
- Hemodialysis machines
- Consumables for chronic and acute renal care
- Serving as a trusted long-term partner to healthcare institutions, clinicians, and global manufacturers.
Strategic Value
This case reflects Samasu’s core strengths:
- Crisis recovery and healthcare system resilience
- Deep technical and biomedical engineering expertise
- Commitment to sustainable capacity building
- Ability to scale complex healthcare services in challenging environments
Samasu continues to play a central role in strengthening renal healthcare delivery in Sudan ensuring continuity, quality, and long-term impact.
