Daily Current Affairs : 12-July-2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) has added a brand new online platform known as MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System). This platform is designed to offer open and global access to information about medical devices. It aims to help governments, regulators, healthcare professionals, and users select, procure, and use medical devices correctly for the diagnosis, testing, and treatment of numerous health conditions.

Key Features of MeDevIS

MeDevIS is a comprehensive resource that covers over 2,300 types of medical devices. These devices address a wide range of health issues, such as:

  • Reproductive health
  • Noncommunicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
  • Infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19)

By providing detailed information on these devices, MeDevIS helps simplify the decision-making process for both healthcare practitioners and patients. The platform gathers data from multiple sources, making it easier for users to find the information they need to make informed choices.

International Standards for Better Access

One of the key strengths of MeDevIS is its use of two internationally recognized naming systems:

  • European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN)
  • Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN)

These systems play an important role in ensuring that medical devices meet regulatory requirements, are procured effectively, and are managed efficiently in inventories. By using these naming conventions, MeDevIS helps streamline the regulatory approval process and facilitates the safe use of medical devices across countries.

Impact on Global Healthcare

The primary goal of MeDevIS is to improve access to life-saving medical technologies, particularly in resource-constrained settings. By providing open access to reliable medical device information, the platform contributes to the WHO’s vision of universal health coverage. This initiative ensures that even countries with fewer resources can better equip their healthcare systems, ultimately improving health outcomes for people worldwide.

Important Points:

  • MeDevIS is a new platform launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide global access to medical device information.
  • The platform covers over 2,300 types of medical devices addressing health issues like reproductive health, noncommunicable diseases, and infectious diseases.
  • MeDevIS simplifies decision-making for governments, regulators, healthcare professionals, and patients.
  • The platform references two international naming systems: European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN) and Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN).
  • These naming systems help in regulatory approval, procurement, and inventory management of medical devices.
  • MeDevIS aims to improve access to life-saving medical technologies, especially in resource-limited settings.
  • The platform supports the WHO’s goal of universal health coverage by enhancing healthcare systems in low-resource countries.

Why In News

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System), an online platform designed to provide global open access to comprehensive information on medical devices, enabling healthcare professionals, regulators, and users to make informed decisions about their selection, procurement, and use.

MCQs about MeDevIS

  1. What is the primary purpose of the **MeDevIS** platform launched by the World Health Organization (WHO)?
    A. To create new medical devices for global distribution
    B. To provide global open access to information about medical devices
    C. To regulate medical devices in specific countries
    D. To train healthcare professionals on the use of medical devices
    Correct Answer: B. To provide global open access to information about medical devices
    Explanation: MeDevIS is designed to offer global access to medical device information, helping healthcare professionals and others make informed decisions regarding their selection, procurement, and use.
  2. How many types of medical devices are covered by MeDevIS?
    A. Over 1000
    B. Over 2300
    C. Over 5000
    D. Over 10,000
    Correct Answer: B. Over 2300
    Explanation: MeDevIS covers more than 2300 types of medical devices addressing various health issues, such as reproductive health, noncommunicable diseases, and infectious diseases.
  3. Which two international naming systems are referenced by MeDevIS to assist with medical device regulation and procurement?
    A. FDA and WHO nomenclature
    B. EMDN and GMDN
    C. ISO and CE
    D. IVD and MDN
    Correct Answer: B. EMDN and GMDN
    Explanation: MeDevIS uses the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN) and the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) to support regulatory approval, procurement, and inventory management of medical devices.
  4. What is the ultimate goal of MeDevIS in terms of global healthcare?
    A. To improve access to life-saving medical technologies, especially in resource-limited settings
    B. To create a global database for medical device manufacturers
    C. To provide training to healthcare workers on how to use medical devices
    D. To regulate the prices of medical devices worldwide
    Correct Answer: A. To improve access to life-saving medical technologies, especially in resource-limited settings
    Explanation: MeDevIS aims to improve access to medical devices, particularly in countries with fewer resources, thus contributing to the WHO’s goal of universal health coverage.

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