About Us
Medical Pantry is a small innovative Victorian charity that is solving healthcare’s contribution to climate change and global issues of healthcare inequality. In 2021, we rescued and donated 15,000 tonnes of medical supplies (approx. $200 million worth) from our first warehouse in Yarraville.
Australia’s health system is one of the best in the world and provides quality, safe and affordable medical care. However, to achieve this, our health system is oversupplied and generates huge amounts of waste. The healthcare system is the second largest contributor to landfill, contributing to 7% global greenhouse gas emissions. Alarmingly, 30% of healthcare waste consists of medical supplies that are unused and safe, while half of the world’s population does not have access to basic medical care.
Medical Pantry’s approach mirrors Foodbank, OzHarvest and Secondbite which are tackling food waste and food insecurity:
- Our donors include all levels of the supply chain (manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, hospitals and clinics). They provide us with the medical products our recipients need.
- Our volunteers sort the donated products and pack them into boxes and pallets.
- Our partnerships with charities, NGOs and Ministries of Health allow us to distribute these supplies to our recipient communities in need.
- And through this medical surplus redistribution, we reduce the environmental impact of our health system and improve access to quality healthcare globally.
🧭 Our Mission
Medical Pantry’s mission is to deliver the most medical supplies to underserved communities throughout the world in the most efficient and effective ways possible.
🔭 Our Vision
Medical Pantry’s vision is to have a zero environmental impact, sustainable healthcare ecosystem that provides quality healthcare to all citizens of Earth. Our hope is that by 2030, none of the safe and reusable medical supplies that are discarded by Victorian hospitals will go to landfill. Instead, the supplies will be collected by Medical Pantry and distributed to underserved communities in Australia and around the world.
- WHAT: Empower others to help fix problems in the healthcare industry and serve as a physical and online repository for collecting and donating medical supplies
- HOW: By connecting and bringing about collaboration between communities, industries, institutions and governments
- WHY: To accelerate towards a zero impact, equitable and sustainable healthcare eco-system.
⚖️ Our Values
Transparency & Integrity:
- We uphold transparency as our guiding principle, fostering an environment where honesty is paramount. Openness flows through every aspect of our operations, ensuring clarity and trust in all interactions.
Pioneering Spirit:
- We ignite innovation by daring to challenge conventional norms and pioneering groundbreaking solutions. Fuelled by curiosity, we constantly seek fresh perspectives and embrace change to drive progress towards our shared vision.
Synergistic Collaboration:
- Together, we harness the power of collaboration, weaving diverse talents and perspectives into the fabric of our mission. Through teamwork, we amplify our impact, achieving far more than what we could alone.
Unwavering Dedication:
- We embody unwavering commitment, dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to advancing our organization's purpose. With steadfast resolve, we persevere, knowing that every effort, no matter how small, propels us closer to our collective goals.
Embracing Diversity:
- We celebrate diversity as a cornerstone of our strength, valuing the unique backgrounds and insights of every individual. Inclusive by design, we cultivate an environment where all voices are heard, fostering opportunities for growth and learning for everyone.
Empowering Autonomy:
- We empower individuals with the autonomy to make informed decisions about their health journey. Respecting the autonomy of patients and communities, we champion their right to self-determination, guided by empathy and compassion.