WHO unveils new platform to boost access to medical technologies and devices

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled the MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System) platform, the first global open-access repository for information on medical devices. This online platform is designed to assist governments, regulators, and users in making informed decisions about the selection, procurement, and use of medical devices essential for diagnostics, testing, and treatment of various health conditions.

How does it work?

MeDevIS features information on 2301 types of medical devices addressing 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.

Users can access detailed information on devices, including their type, the level of healthcare systems required (e.g., community or specialized hospitals), scope of use, and necessary infrastructure.

The platform streamlines the process, replacing cumbersome paper-based literature searches with a centralized, user-friendly database.

Launched in March 2024, the MeDevIS platform is now available to the public following a consultation with WHO Member States. This groundbreaking tool promises to revolutionize access to vital medical device information, contributing to better health outcomes worldwide.

Why does it matter?

As Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, explains, "The number of medical technologies used in healthcare is growing, as is their complexity, which can make it challenging for healthcare practitioners and patients to navigate."

MeDevIS offers a comprehensive "one-stop-shop" for international information, which is invaluable for decision-making — particularly in resource-limited settings. By providing reliable data in a single platform, MeDevIS enhances access to life-saving medical technologies and simplifies the naming and categorization of medical devices — using established international naming systems like the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN) and the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN).

The context

There are over 10,000 different medical devices used globally for protection, prevention, diagnostics, treatment, or rehabilitation of health issues. These range from simple items like digital thermometers and medical masks to complex technologies like hemodialysis units and defibrillators. Currently, multiple separate sources of information from international organizations and regulatory bodies make it difficult for users to find reliable data. MeDevIS addresses this challenge by consolidating these sources into a single, accessible platform.

Dr. Deus Mubangizi, WHO Director for Health Products Policy and Standards, highlights the platform's potential impact: "The MeDevIS platform can be useful for national policymakers 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." Additionally, it can support health insurance and reimbursement policies, enhancing overall healthcare delivery.

This initiative builds on WHO's experience with the WHO Priority Medical Devices List (MDL) and the WHO Essential Medicines List (EML), which have been cornerstones of global public health for nearly 50 years. WHO plans to continuously improve the MeDevIS platform, engaging stakeholders and expanding its database with additional technologies and devices, including those used in pandemic and emergency settings.