Procurement of safe medical devices

Abstract

The procurement of medical devices is essential for ensuring high-quality healthcare outcomes, influencing patient safety, economic efficiency, and the overall effectiveness of healthcare systems. This research investigates the procurement of medical devices across four distinct healthcare systems: Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, and Malta. The objective is to identify strategies that could improve the procurement processes in Malta. The study employs a comparative method to assess how different procurement frameworks affect healthcare quality, cost management, and the adaptability to new technologies. Data was collected from a range of sources, including academic articles, policy documents, and regulatory reports. This extensive review helped to comprehensively understand the operations of each country's procurement system, focusing on their efficiency, technological responsiveness, and compliance with regulations. The results reveal diverse outcomes: Singapore and South Korea, with their centralized procurement models, maintain high standards and control costs effectively but tend to lag in integrating innovative technologies. Switzerland’s decentralized approach provides flexibility and meets local needs well, though it sometimes leads to higher costs and inconsistent quality. Malta’s centralized system excels in regulatory compliance and cost control but struggles with technological agility. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Malta adopt a hybrid procurement model combining central oversight with local execution flexibility. This approach is suggested to enhance adaptability and innovation while maintaining rigorous standards for safety and quality. Additionally, the study advocates for the expanded use of Health Technology Assessments (HTA) to better evaluate and integrate new technologies promptly and suggests enhancing stakeholder collaboration to optimize procurement decisions. This research offers significant insights into refining medical device procurement strategies for small to medium-sized healthcare systems like Malta, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle current and future healthcare challenges effectively.