Hands across the waters.

American hospitals have for years quietly offered used equipment and supplies to struggling sister facilities in developing countries. Some hospitals even send volunteers to provide technical assistance and training. A number of nonprofit organizations have formed to reduce the hassle factor for hospitals, helping to collect, ship and set up the donations overseas. Although the impetus to donate is primarily humanitarian, there are ancillary benefits. For instance, according to some estimates, hospitals throw away up to 10 billion dollars in equipment and supplies every year. Even if only 10 percent of that amount can be reused, the reduction in the health care industry's waste stream would be considerable.