The Catalyst Program

Responding to the dire medical needs that prevail in so many parts of the world can be a daunting exercise. Yet, as a global healthcare provider with deep expertise in laboratory medicine and radiology, Sonic Healthcare knows that it is uniquely positioned to make a significant medical difference to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the world.

Since 1996, Sonic Healthcare has worked with local hospitals in war-torn or impoverished areas to establish modern pathology and imaging facilities that provide the vital diagnostic services required by modern medicine practice.

Our aim is to improve the healthcare and lives of people in some of the world’s most disadvantaged areas, by establishing sustainable, modern pathology and imaging services that lead to local self-reliance. We do this by equipping and supplying local hospitals and by training and supporting local personnel to provide quality pathology and diagnostic imaging services. We also provide funding, materials and support for a variety of community projects with a clear focus on improving the welfare of women, children and/or Indigenous communities. These additional projects include fund raising, refugee support, community training and up-skilling, and the transportation of containers of equipment and supplies for medical facilities, schools and orphanages.

Our support of these community projects is known as 'The Catalyst Program', because we aspire to be a catalyst for change that will ultimately help communities and their healthcare services achieve medical self-sufficiency.

Many criteria are considered when assessing potential charitable projects, including the need to meet at least one of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, as well as our ability to deliver a positive and sustainable community and health benefit.

Most of our projects have been aligned with hospitals that treat women and children—two vulnerable groups within these communities that are vital to the future success of any nation. Recently, we also partnered with the Clontarf Foundation in Australia that works with Indigenous boys and young men to improve their education, self-esteem and life skills to allow them to participate more fully in society.

The Catalyst Program is supported by Sonic Healthcare staff across the world, including a team of healthcare professionals who visit the projects at least once a year for a number of weeks at a time.