There is a growing realization of the dangerous inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the current U.S. medical device recall system. Recent discussions, including a report by Fast Company, have highlighted the need for a centralized, two-way digital platform like the one offered by NotiSphere. This platform can play a vital role in addressing the shortcomings of the current recall system.
“The current state of medical device recalls is painful to behold. Once a manufacturer issues a recall, it can take an average of two months just for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publish the recall notice on its website,” writes Fast Company contributor Shalene Gupta. “It can take even longer for products to come off the shelves. In the meantime, these products might end up still being used — with deadly consequences.”
In his insightful article, Gupta sheds light on the medical device recall process, which has been facing increasing scrutiny in recent months. Towards the end of 2023, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin introduced the “Medical Device Recall Improvement Act.” Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Office announced an inquiry into the FDA’s oversight of medical device recalls.
“Most people are shocked when they learn how dysfunctional the process for recalling medical products is in the U.S.,” said NotiSphere Founder and CEO Guillermo Ramas. “I’m relieved to see U.S. legislators and prominent industry publications like Fast Company turning their attention to this issue and helping bring solutions to light.”
Reporters and healthcare providers are promoting a solution called the NotiSphere platform. This platform facilitates quick and efficient digital communication between suppliers and providers. Recently, a group of prominent healthcare providers in the United States, including Novant Health, BJC HealthCare, and Munson Healthcare, have come together to support the use of the NotiSphere platform as a universal tool to manage product recalls and other supply-disruption alerts.
“Based on our audits, we estimate as many as 600,000 recalled medical products could still be sitting on hospital shelves,” Ramas said. “These products put patient lives at risk. As healthcare providers become aware of how extensive and serious this problem is, they’re calling for change. At NotiSphere, we’re proud to be a part of this revolution.”
Healthcare providers who want to join the network of providers advocating for a universal platform to manage product recalls can sign up here.
