Medical Equipment and Healthcare Technology: Health Vision 2050

Biomed Instrum Technol. 2018;52(6):442-450. doi: 10.2345/0899-8205-52.6.442.

Abstract

To address the demands of worldwide demographic and epidemiologic changes and globalization, as well as their effects on population health, the Ministry of Health in Oman developed a long-term plan for its health system called Health Vision 2050. The plan was shaped by international consultants, who sought to augment the vision with up-to-date evidence and achieve alignment with international standards. The Health Vision 2050 main document was anchored by 24 separate strategic studies covering different dimensions and pillars of the health system, one of which was the strategic study of medical equipment and healthcare technology (MEHT). This study analyzed the current status of MEHT, highlighted the achievements and bottlenecks, anticipated future challenges, and determined the future vision through pragmatic, contextualized, and actionable objectives and strategies that will provide a platform for comprehensive MEHT planning. Of note, pharmacological technologies, pharmaceutical drugs, and information technology have not been covered under the scope of this vision. By shedding light on this important strategic study about MEHT, the aim of this article is to assist other countries that are seeking to improve their MEHT based on the latest international guidelines and standards.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Technology*
  • Capacity Building
  • Equipment and Supplies*
  • Humans
  • Organizational Objectives*