Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Medical technologies have revolutionized the healthcare industry, providing innovative solutions to diagnose, treat, and prevent various medical conditions. These advancements have not only improved the quality of life for patients but have also increased the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare providers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an online platform named MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System), marking the first global open-access repository for medical device information. This platform aims to assist governments, regulators, and users in making informed decisions regarding the selection, procurement, and utilization of medical devices for diagnosing, testing, and treating various diseases and health conditions.
The MeDevIS platform features 2,301 types of medical devices addressing a wide array of health issues, including reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, diseases that cannot be passed on such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, as well as infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
“The number of medical technologies used in health care is growing, as is their complexity, which can make it challenging for health care practitioners and patients to navigate,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, the WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. “We aim to provide a one stop shop of international information, which can be invaluable for those making decisions on life-saving medical technologies, especially in resource-limited settings, and to improve access”.
WHO indicated that at the moment, multiple separate sources of information are produced by major international organizations, regulatory bodies, and donor agencies. This fragmentation makes it difficult for users to discern and utilize the most reliable data. MeDevIS addresses this issue by allowing users to check the devices they require, including type, level of health care systems needed (such as community or specialized hospitals), scope of the device, and infrastructure needed, among other categories.
MeDevIS replaces the complex and time-consuming process of paper-based literature searches across multiple publications with non-standard device names. By making available one platform, MeDevIS not only consolidates information but also aims to simplify the naming of medical devices.
Medical technologies have played a crucial role in the development of treatments and pharmaceuticals. Innovations in biotechnology and genetic engineering have led to the creation of life-saving medications and potential treatments, such as those for HIV, cancer, and COVID-19. The, medical technologies have had a profound impact on the healthcare industry, improving the quality of care for patients and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers. As research and development continue, the future of medical technology holds even more promise for the betterment of human health.
“The MeDevIS platform can be useful for national policy-makers to develop or update their own national lists for procurement of health technologies and devices and can contribute to the progress towards universal health coverage,” said Dr Deus Mubangizi, WHO Director for Health Products Policy and Standards in the Access to Medicines and Health Products Division. “It can also help agencies in health insurance and reimbursement policies for patients.”
WHO stated that it is the first instance where they have created a global repository for medical devices, drawing on its experience with the WHO Priority Medical Devices List (MDL). The MDL was itself inspired by the creation of the WHO Essential Medicines List (EML). As the EML approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, it is widely recognized as a cornerstone of public health worldwide, aiding in health advancements and impacting billions of lives.
WHO plans to continuously enhance the MeDevIS platform by collaborating with multiple stakeholders and partners, and by incorporating additional technologies and devices used in various health sectors, including those needed during pandemics and emergencies.
The application of medical technologies that are assisted by AI are likely to be further widespread in the years ahead due to the further enhancement and convenience they offer.
