Healthcare Technology Management in Ethiopia
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Keywords
Healthcare technology management (HTM), Health technology assessment (HTA), Health technology regulation (HTR), Biomedical engineer (BME), Biomedical technicians (BMT), Regional health bureaus (RHB)
Abstract
This document provides an in-depth analysis of healthcare technology management (HTM) in Ethiopia, identifying significant deficiencies and challenges in the management of medical devices (MDs) within the healthcare system. The primary objective of this study is to identify gaps in the lifecycle management of MDs in Ethiopia and to provide recommendations for improvement. The findings reveal a conspicuous absence of a dedicated MD policy and health technology assessment (HTA) institutes, leading to inefficiencies, as MDs are managed under drug policies. Biomedical engineers (BMEs) play a crucial role in managing the entire lifecycle of MDs, which can mitigate risks and corruption associated with these devices. However, the healthcare system faces several challenges, including a lack of quality control measures, inadequate training for BMEs, and poor integration between universities and health facilities, all of which impact the effectiveness of HTM. The document recommends the establishment of a national HTA institute, the formulation of a dedicated MD policy, and the enhancement of links between educational institutions and healthcare facilities to improve the management of MDs. Strengthening the role of BMEs and implementing robust systems for HTM are essential for improving healthcare quality and patient safety in Ethiopia.
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References
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