Bangalore, May 26, 2006: In Malaysia, legislation is being drafted to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices sold and used in the country. According to Malaysian media, currently in the final stages of drafting, the Medical Devices Bill 2006 is likely to be tabled in Parliament at the end of the year.

 

Country’s Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, informed that a framework was being prepared to determine the method of regulating the use of medical devices based on recommendations by international bodies like the Global Harmonisation Task Force. “The development would allow “Made in Malaysia” medical devices compete and penetrate global markets,” he said.

 

According to the Dr Chua, the Ministry has introduced an initial measure to regulate medical devices by implementing an online system of Voluntary Registration for Medical Devices Establishment (MeDVER) since January, this year, to enable companies to obtain information and advisory service to prepare for the enforcement of the new law.

Close to 200 manufacturers, importers and distributors of medical devices have already registered with MeDVER.