SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOGImpact of Refurbished Medical Equipment on Economy and Environment
There are so many benefits of a good medical imaging equipment refurbishment procedure. Both, the patients and healthcare providers can see the advantages of this process. This following step is good for many reasons. For example, a large and regional medical organization or hospital which is focused on cancer treatment or neurology could buy the latest MRI or computer tomography scanner every few years. But, the same previous device is still able to produce high-quality diagnostic images and it will still be capable to serve the hospital for the next ten years. In other words, when a manufacturer refurbishes a used medical system properly, the outcome is a medical imaging device which is effective and safe as a new one. This means that high-quality systems which are refurbished represent a competent and valuable diagnostic imaging upgrade solution for those medical centers that are looking to stretch their money amount to buy still-exceptionally good equipment.
The environmental benefits or refurbished medical equipment
The impact of the refurbished medical imaging systems over the environment is for sure worth touting. With the extension of the useful period of medical equipment from 5-8 to 10-14 years or more, it explains the fact that a refurbishment process is a special form of reuse and waste prevention, which contributes to a circular economy.
The refurbishment procedure saves the materials and the energy which are used for producing new medical imaging equipment. The manufacturers consider the energy and materials utilized in the manufacturing, regulatory compliance processes of imaging scanners, and safety testing, it is very important, from an environmental point of view, to increase their service life as much as possible. A sophisticated MRI scanner that weighs 13 tons and involving highly advanced and modern technological components and huge magnets, also the patient gantries, plastic and metal coverings, and other supporting devices is an example of the environmental benefits and it is good to know that there are 25,000 MRI systems which are installed all over the world.
When all these machines in use now and if they are refurbished, and their life is extended, the return of the prime investment of materials and energy is gained maximally. Almost all components of the system stay in place. Keep in mind that around 90% of the material for a system refurbishment could be re-utilized and only 10% of that material needs to be recycled. This process is done with environmentally-friendly procedures by a group of facilities specializing in reclaiming hazardous, rare, and valuable materials. Extending the life of these MRI and CT devices and at the same time, preserving precious resources has resulted in CO2 savings of 150,000 tons over the past several years.
Global economic sustainability
It is good to be informed that the largest markets for refurbished medical equipment are Europe and North America. Another great thing is that both parts are good at efficiently recycling advanced technology components at the end of the service life of the medical imaging equipment. All MRI and CT scanners, which demand the most materials and resources in their manufacturing process, are the most widely refurbished.
Another thing to consider is the fact that refurbished medical imaging devices are restricted in global markets which can benefit the most. New global regulations are appearing which threaten the shipment of used medical electrical equipment for refurbishment or end-of-life recycling.
The world economy knows that to build a strong market, a lot of various options are needed but the most essential is safety and sustainability. The most important thing is that all medical professionals, patients, and the regulators can stay assured that the refurbished process of medical imaging devices will not compromise the diagnostic quality, safety, or the environmental sustainability.
It is known that the circular economy is the main concept of keeping all the resources in use if possible throughout the re-use and recovery procedures. For all healthcare professionals, this could be the reason to purchase refurbished MRI systems.
Summary
The managers of hospitals are challenged from both sides, financially and clinically. Performing more with less is becoming their choice and it is the maximum for the benefit of their economic status. According to many economic experts, there is a circular economy program which claims that the pre-owned and refurbished MRI machines are preferred over buying new and more expensive medical equipment. Another thing to consider is that the health systems don’t respond so easy to innovation and if manufacturers show them cost savings of one million this would be a good thing.
However, all hospitals and medical centers and their managers know what the best option for their business is and what is the best thing to do for delivering great medical care to their patients. It is a matter of priorities and possibilities related to the hospital budget that gives the outcome.
