- WHO launched MeDevIS, an open-access hub providing information on 2301 types of medical devices.
- MeDevIS aims to aid governments, regulators, and users in making informed decisions by offering a unified platform that simplifies device naming and replaces traditional paper-based searches.
On July 8, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the launch of the Medical Devices Information System (MeDevIS), the first global open-access hub for medical device information.
MeDevIS helps governments, regulators, and users make informed decisions on choosing, buying, and using medical devices for diagnosing, testing, and treating various health conditions.
Additionally, it covers 2301 types of medical devices used for various health issues. These include reproductive health, maternal and child health, diseases like cancer, heart problems, diabetes, and 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, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products.
Furthermore, Dr. Nakatani stated that WHO is focused on providing 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.
One of the key aspects of MeDevIS is that it replaces traditional paper-based searches across multiple publications that use inconsistent device names, which can complicate things. Rather, it offers a unified platform that simplifies the naming of medical devices.
According to Dr. Deus Mubangizi, WHO's Director for Health Products Policy and Standards, MeDevIS is valuable for national policy-makers to create or revise their lists for purchasing health technologies and devices that can support efforts towards achieving universal health coverage. Also, this can aid health insurance agencies in formulating policies for patient reimbursement.
WHO, in its announcement also stated that it will continue to enhance the MeDevIS platform by collaborating with various stakeholders and partners. Plans are underway to expand its coverage to include more technologies and devices used across different health sectors, including pandemics and emergencies.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
