Today’s diagnostic imaging industry is driven by innovation and constant development. This evolution means that equipment is often replaced long before the end of its useful life. Refurbished medical equipment is commonly used in hospitals and health centres in Europe, the United States and worldwide. COCIR first published version 1 of a Good Refurbishment Practice (GRP) Green Paper in November 2007. After taking into account feedback received, today, COCIR publishes an updated version of this Green Paper. The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA), a division of NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) USA and the Japan Industries Association of Radiological Systems (JIRA) have endorsed these best practices for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the updated version of COCIR’s Green Paper.
Refurbishing medical equipment is a sophisticated process. These guidelines summarise best practices by global diagnostic imaging OEMs, gathered over several years, to perform refurbishment ensuring the safety and effectiveness of their refurbished equipment to equal their condition as when new. “Healthcare providers, patients and governments benefit from a consistent and harmonised set of guidelines for ensuring the safe refurbishment of used medical equipment. This framework needs to be as rigorous and as trustworthy as the regulations which assure the safety of new equipment to ensure the confidence of users” said Heinrich von Wulfen, COCIR President. “There is a cascade of sustained value, both social, economic and environmental, which can be released worldwide with the use of refurbished medical equipment” he added. Nicole Denjoy, COCIR Secretary General added that “We believe that this approach to refurbishment will support policymakers and other stakeholders in setting a sustainable healthcare framework and is a great contributor to the recycling economy”.
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