Medical Devices Information System (MeDevIS)

 Medical Devices Information System (MeDevIS)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Medical Devices Information System (MeDevIS), a groundbreaking global platform designed to enhance access to medical devices. This platform serves as an open-access repository, providing comprehensive information to assist in the selection, procurement, and utilization of medical devices across various healthcare settings.

Key Features of MeDevIS:

1. Comprehensive Database: MeDevIS includes detailed information on 2,301 types of medical devices. These devices span a wide range of health issues, including reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, noncommunicable diseases like cancer and diabetes, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

2. User-Friendly Access: The platform allows users to search for specific medical devices and obtain detailed information about device types, recommended healthcare system levels, device scope, required infrastructure, and other relevant categories.

3. Standardized Naming Systems: MeDevIS employs the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN) and the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) to standardize the naming and classification of medical devices. This helps facilitate regulatory approval, procurement, inventory management, tracking, and pricing.

4. Enhanced Decision-Making: By providing a centralized source of information, MeDevIS aims to support healthcare practitioners, regulators, and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding life-saving medical technologies, particularly in resource-limited settings.

5. Continuous Improvement: WHO plans to continually enhance the platform by engaging with multiple stakeholders and expanding the database to include additional technologies and devices used in various healthcare domains, including pandemic and emergency settings​ (Medical Device Developments)​​ (Global Bihari News)​.

Importance and Impact

MeDevIS represents WHO's commitment to improving global health by making essential medical devices more accessible and ensuring their appropriate use. This platform is particularly valuable for countries with limited resources, providing them with the necessary tools to improve healthcare outcomes. By streamlining the process of selecting and procuring medical devices, MeDevIS helps healthcare systems worldwide to deliver better care more efficiently.

MCQs

1. What is MeDevIS?

   • a) A medical research journal
   • b) An online platform for medical device information
   • c) A healthcare mobile app
   • d) A pharmaceutical database

   Answer: b) An online platform for medical device information

2. How many types of medical devices are included in the MeDevIS database?

   • a) 1,200
   • b) 2,301
   • c) 3,500
   • d) 4,000

   Answer: b) 2,301

3. Which nomenclature systems does MeDevIS use to standardize medical device names?

   • a) ICD and CPT
   • b) SNOMED and LOINC
   • c) EMDN and GMDN
   • d) WHO and FDA

   Answer: c) EMDN and GMDN

4. What is the primary goal of MeDevIS?

   • a) To develop new medical devices
   • b) To sell medical equipment
   • c) To enhance access to medical devices
   • d) To provide medical training

   Answer: c) To enhance access to medical devices

5. Which organization launched MeDevIS?

   • a) UNICEF
   • b) World Bank
   • c) WHO
   • d) Red Cross

   Answer: c) WHO

MeDevIS is a significant step forward in improving global healthcare by ensuring that vital medical devices are available and used appropriately, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided to patients worldwide.