In a groundbreaking move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced an online platform called MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System), a global open-access clearinghouse for information on medical devices. This innovative platform aims to support governments, regulators, and users in their decision-making on the selection, procurement, and use of medical devices for various health issues.
MeDevIS is a one-stop shop for international information on medical devices, providing a comprehensive list of 2301 types of devices used for a broad range of health issues, including reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, noncommunicable diseases, and infectious diseases like COVID-19.
The platform is designed to help users navigate the growing number of medical technologies used in healthcare, which can be complex and overwhelming. MeDevIS provides a single platform for users to access reliable data on medical devices, replacing paper-based literature searches across multiple publications.
The platform also aims to simplify the naming of medical devices by referencing two international naming systems: the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN) and the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN).
According to Dr. Deus Mubangizi, WHO Director for Health Products Policy and Standards, “MeDevIS can be useful for national policy-makers to develop or update their own national lists for procurement of health technologies and devices, contributing to progress towards universal health coverage.”
WHO will continually improve and expand the MeDevIS platform, engaging multiple stakeholders and partners, and adding new technologies and devices used in various health areas, including pandemic and emergency settings.
This revolutionary platform has the potential to transform access to medical devices, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for billions of people worldwide.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
