Fifth WHO Global Forum on Medical Devices: report, 2-5 June 2025
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
vi, 78 p.
Medical devices are essential components of health systems, supporting screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care, yet significant gaps remain in their availability, accessibility, safety and affordability worldwide. This report summarizes the proceedings of a global forum convened by WHO to examine strategies for improving access to safe, effective and quality-assured medical devices in the context of universal health coverage, the Sustainable Development Goals and recent World Health Assembly mandates. The document synthesizes discussions across key thematic areas, including priority medical devices, regulatory frameworks, health technology assessment and management, innovation, workforce capacity and sustainable supply systems. It also addresses emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, emergency preparedness and equitable access in low-resource settings. Drawing on country experiences, WHO guidance and multi-stakeholder dialogue, the report highlights progress, persistent challenges and practical approaches to strengthen policy development, system integration and lifecycle management of medical devices. Intended for policy-makers, regulators and health system stakeholders, it provides a structured reference to support coordinated action, enhance patient safety and improve the quality and equity of health care delivery.
Medical devices are essential components of health systems, supporting screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care, yet significant gaps remain in their availability, accessibility, safety and affordability worldwide. This report summarizes the proceedings of a global forum convened by WHO to examine strategies for improving access to safe, effective and quality-assured medical devices in the context of universal health coverage, the Sustainable Development Goals and recent World Health Assembly mandates. The document synthesizes discussions across key thematic areas, including priority medical devices, regulatory frameworks, health technology assessment and management, innovation, workforce capacity and sustainable supply systems. It also addresses emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, emergency preparedness and equitable access in low-resource settings. Drawing on country experiences, WHO guidance and multi-stakeholder dialogue, the report highlights progress, persistent challenges and practical approaches to strengthen policy development, system integration and lifecycle management of medical devices. Intended for policy-makers, regulators and health system stakeholders, it provides a structured reference to support coordinated action, enhance patient safety and improve the quality and equity of health care delivery.
Keywords
Equipment and Supplies, Technology Assessment, Biomedical, Biomedical Technology, Equipment Safety, Quality of Health Care, Emergencies, Medical Device Legislation, Patient Safety, Health Policy, Health Planning, Health Resources, Disaster Planning, Artificial Intelligence, Global Health, Meeting Abstract, organization and administration, legislation and jurisprudence, methods, standards