Soma strengthens healthcare infrastructure with cost-effective equipment and donations

The medical field has seen a lot of progress over the past years. We owe that to the extensive research and rapidly evolving technologies that have led to many notable breakthroughs, including the emergence of novel treatments and therapies, and the development of advanced equipment, all of which offer the promise of a healthier and safer future for mankind. We’re now able to treat or ensure better management for many conditions that were once seen as a death sentence. Doctors have more insights and tools at their disposal that allow them to spot health issues early on and prescribe more precise, personalized treatments, improving patient outcomes considerably. 

Unfortunately, the advancements and innovations that are transforming healthcare don’t reach everyone equally. Many countries around the world struggle with basic resource constraints and outdated medical infrastructures that not only impact the quality of the medical act but also limit patients’ access to essential health services.    

Addressing the situation requires a concerted effort that has proven too difficult for governments to handle on their own. That’s where companies like Soma step in, striving to fill in the gaps and make a positive difference in the healthcare sector.

Soma Tech Intl is a provider of new and refurbished medical equipment and a leader in its field, meeting the needs of healthcare facilities from all over the world. The company’s story starts in 1992, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, where it was founded by two biomedical entrepreneurs after realizing that the local market for reliable and cost-effective medical equipment was underserved. 

Before building an international presence, Soma operated locally, with a small team that strived to respond to the growing demand for high-quality, affordable medical equipment, which very few companies were able to deliver at the time. 

The rapid success that Soma achieved in a relatively short period of time prompted it to scale up its operations and move into a more spacious facility in Cheshire, CT, where it was able to store a larger volume of products. In less than a decade, Soma managed to grow and diversify its inventory considerably and establish itself as a worldwide supplier of top-tier refurbished medical equipment. 

In 2008, Soma took another step towards expansion by relocating to a modern facility in Bloomfield, CT, with cutting-edge amenities, a move that allowed it to build the largest and most comprehensive inventory of new and refurbished medical accessories, tools, and devices in the industry. Its all-encompassing offering ranges from consumables, such as AED-Defib Pads, batteries, blankets, and canulae, to surgical table accessories and complex equipment, including EKG machines, anesthesia vents, patient circuits, fetal monitors, and many more. 

The company also manufactures, assembles, and sells its own line of new products marketed under the Axia brand. These parts are compatible with current medical setups, serving as a budget-friendly alternative to those offered by major brands, which are typically more expensive.  

Soma’s mission is to make quality medical equipment affordable to everyone, so that healthcare facilities like clinics, hospitals, and surgical centers from all over the globe can provide the level of care that their patients require.  

By housing an extensive and varied inventory of medical equipment, including models from the most reputable manufacturers (GE, Philips, Medtronic, etc.) and a dedicated stock for parts, Soma acts like a one-stop shop that can cover the diverse needs of its clients. According to Soma's estimations, the refurbished medical equipment and instruments they provide can ensure savings of up to 60% or more, which can make a huge difference for many medical facilities, especially those that run on limited funds and often struggle to afford basic necessities. 

It’s not just the large product volume and variety that make Soma stand out as an industry leader. The company also invests heavily in training and improving its operations, and employs a strong team of qualified biomedical engineers, specialized in the technical refurbishment and repair of capital medical equipment. 

Quality is at the core of Soma’s services and operations, with each piece undergoing an in-depth refurbishment process and thorough controls, so it can be brought back to original manufacturer (OEM) specifications. This guarantees that all the tools and devices that Soma offers function flawlessly and are safe to use. In addition, all testing and inspections are carefully documented to guarantee transparency. 

The company is ISO 13485:2016 certified, which means it adheres to the highest levels of quality and compliance and is committed to continuously improving its practices and processes. 

In order to provide greater convenience for clients and make it easier for them to acquire the equipment they need without delay, Soma has introduced a new category of quick-ship items, which includes a select line of products available for same-day delivery. 

Soma’s contribution to global healthcare systems goes beyond offering affordable medical supplies. The provider is also actively involved in charitable giving through a partnership with the Rodos Foundation. Their focus falls on making donations to improve health services in underdeveloped countries across Africa and beyond, providing essential medical equipment for maternal and pediatric care. Through its support efforts, Soma has helped equip medical facilities in Sierra Leone with portable ultrasound devices, neonatal incubators, and infant warmers, which are critical for infant health.  

Another notable achievement is represented by a significant contribution to the establishment of a hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Haiti, so that locals can benefit from access to critical neonatal care. The company plans to further its efforts to improve pediatric healthcare with two new projects in South America and India. 

Ultimately, Soma’s services, products, and donations reinforce sustainability, paving the path for a more affordable and accessible future in healthcare.

This article was written in cooperation with SOMA