PQMD’s Guidelines for Quality Medical Donations

PQMD’s Guidelines ensure that international protocols for the delivery of donated medical products are followed and inform the work in supplying critical donated medical products, devices and services to those in need across the globe.

PQMD Guidelines At A Glance

Required Minimum Standards (RMS) for Medical Donations

PQMD Guidance for Valuation of Donated Product

World Health Organization Guidelines (PDF)

World Health Organization Device Donation Guidelines

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The History of PQMD’s Guidelines for Quality Medical Donations

The roots of this work run deep. In 1999, a coalition of forward-thinking pharmaceutical manufacturers and humanitarian organizations came together to address growing concerns about the misuse and mismanagement of donated medical products. Recognizing the urgent need for transparency, structure, and shared accountability, they founded the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) and released the first edition of these Guidelines. What began as a collaborative response to global challenges has since grown into the internationally recognized framework for quality, safety, and integrity in medical donations.

Today, the Guidelines remain a living document – reviewed annually and continuously refined to reflect new realities, emerging regulatory expectations, and innovations across the health and humanitarian landscape. In an era defined by complex emergencies, shifting geopolitical priorities, and rapid changes in global health systems, trust in the people and partners we work with has never been more essential.

The 2025 edition embodies the collective experience, technical excellence, and ethical dedication of our members. It reaffirms a core principle that has guided PQMD since its inception: medical donations are more than transactions – they are a vital bridge to health equity, system resilience, and quality care for all.

For a quarter century, the PQMD Guidelines have served as our organization’s North Star – guiding members, informing policy, strengthening practice, and earning the confidence of partners around the world. We hope that organizations across the global health and humanitarian community will continue to join PQMD members in using these Guidelines to inform their work in providing essential donated medical products, devices, and services to communities worldwide. Together, we can ensure that every donation reflects the highest standards of quality and contributes to a healthier, more equitable future for all.