The WHO has introduced MeDevIS, an innovative online platform known as the Medical Devices Information System, to provide a centralized resource for comprehensive information on medical devices globally. This initiative aims to support governments, regulatory bodies, and healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding the selection, procurement, and utilization of medical devices essential for diagnosing, testing, and treating various diseases and health conditions.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO's Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, emphasized the growing complexity and diversity of medical technologies, posing challenges for healthcare providers and patients alike. The launch of MeDevIS addresses these challenges by offering a unified platform for critical international information, particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings, to enhance accessibility to life-saving medical technologies.
The MeDevIS platform encompasses a comprehensive array of over 10,000 medical devices crucial for safeguarding health and addressing diverse medical needs. These include essential tools like pulse oximeters, digital thermometers, syringes, medical masks, diagnostic laboratory tests, and advanced equipment such as electrocardiograms, endoscopes, imaging radiology technologies, hemodialysis units, defibrillators, and complex radiotherapy devices.
Currently, accessing reliable information on medical devices involves navigating multiple independent sources from major international organizations, regulatory agencies, and donor entities. MeDevIS addresses this issue by offering users a consolidated platform where they can easily locate specific devices, along with detailed specifications such as healthcare system compatibility, device scope, required infrastructure, and more.
One of the key features of MeDevIS is its integration of international naming systems, including the European Medical Device Nomenclature and the Global Medical Device Nomenclature. These systems provide standardized coding and definitions essential for device registration, regulatory approval, procurement, inventory management in healthcare facilities, and pricing strategies across different countries.
Dr. Deus Mubangizi, WHO's Director for Health Products Policy and Standards in the Access to Medicines and Health Products Division, highlighted MeDevIS's potential to support national policy-makers in developing and updating procurement lists for health technologies. Moreover, the platform can inform health insurance agencies and reimbursement policies, benefiting patients worldwide and contributing to progress towards universal health coverage.
MeDevIS marks a significant milestone as WHO's first global repository for medical devices, drawing on the organization's extensive experience in managing the WHO Priority Medical Devices List and the Essential Medicines List. These initiatives have been instrumental in public health advancements worldwide over the past decades, impacting billions of lives and supporting health systems globally.
Moving forward, WHO plans to expand and enhance the MeDevIS platform through ongoing engagement with stakeholders and partners. Future updates will incorporate additional technologies and devices, including those critical in pandemic and emergency settings, further strengthening global preparedness and response capabilities.
