10 Jul New Law Helps to Regulate Manufacturers of Medical Devices

By CHARMAINE LIY

Imagine having faulty implants or pacemaker that start to give way not long after they are placed in your body. They are meant to save your life but do not meet the expectation.

These are some of the concerns that had given birth to the Medical Device Regulations 2012.

This new law helps to regulate manufacturers of medical devices to be up to standard – albeit set by the Medical Device Authority (MDA), a body under the Health Ministry tasked with supervising the country’s medical devices industry.

Instead of making our readers go through reams and reams of technical reports and documents, we have summarised some basic but valuable information on the new law and it’s bites on medical device manufacturers in this article.

Medical devices are defined as any medical technology, supplies and equipment which encompass instrument used for diagnosis, prevention, monitoring and treatment of illness or handicap but exclude drugs.They would be categorised depending on the risk level and intended use.

Under the regulations, those producing or importing these items must register the products with the MDA.

Malaysian manufacturers of medical devices can either register on their own or do it through a regulatory consultant like us. Just click (https://ttmedical.com.my/malaysia-medical-device-license-application/)

Foreign manufacturers on the other hand would need to be registered through a Local Authorised Representative like us. Please click (https://ttmedical.com.my/malaysia-medical-device-license-application/)

According to experts, the regulated standards under the Medical Device Regulations would help Malaysia be recognised as a reliable producer of medical devices in the global market as well as attract foreign direct investment.

According to a World Health Organisation report, an authorised officer may investigate any potential violations of the Medical Devices Act 2012 and if found guilty, the manufacturer may be liable to a jail term or fine..

“A Magistrate may issue a warrant to permit an authorised officer to search premises for reasonable cause. An authorised officer may also investigate without a warrant for reasonable cause.An authorised officer may also take samples for analysis. As a general penalty, anyone who violates the Medical Devices Act 2012 may be liable for a fine and/or a term or imprisonment.”

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is quoted in a news report that the new regulations was aimed at protecting patients and other customers from substandard or unapproved medical devices.

Manufacturers will have to pay special attention to their advertisements as well as the new regulations would also shield buyers from misleading or fraudulent advertisements. There is now a mandatory need for all claims to be supported by evidence.

Dr Noor Hisham also reportedly said the protection provided by the regulations included misuse of devices by unqualified or untrained personnel.

“Manufacturers, importers and distributors of medical devices are also compelled to report any adverse incidents or faults involving their products.

“This is mandatory and applies even if an incident occurs outside Malaysia,” he was quoted as saying in the news report.

The cases could be faults in devices, deterioration in effectiveness or inadequate labelling or instructions.

Dr Noor Hisham said an incident must be reported to the MDA within 30 days of occurrence.

“But if the incident results in death or serious deterioration in the health of a patient, it must be reported within 10 days.”

The Medical Device Act is therefore expected to shake up companies in the industry.

So be prepared or get help from those who can prepare you. Wait no more. Go to (https://ttmedical.com.my/malaysia-medical-device-license-application/