Maintenance of Medical Equipment – The Need of the Hour

According to research, the worldwide medical equipment maintenance market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% during 2020-2030 (the forecast period). The rising number of patients, focus on diagnosis, and collaboration between the healthcare professionals and service providers have contributed greatly to boosting this untapped market, which is now booming at a rapid pace. In addition to this, the pandemic has transformed people’s approach and perception towards the healthcare industry, which in turn reiterated the importance of maintaining high standards, whether it is patient care or quality & maintenance of medical supplies and equipment.

The technological advancements in the healthcare industry have led to the emergence of state-of-art equipment that has changed the course of patient care. However, with complicated machinery comes a different challenge, which is the maintenance and upkeep of all the devices to serve the highest quality of patient care.

For a healthcare organization, it is imperative to keep all their equipment in top condition, whether it is an electric hospital bed or a wheelchair, as it is beneficial for both the patients and the organization. Here are some more factors that you might consider understanding the importance of regular maintenance of medical equipment in your organization –

Budget-friendly

Cost-effectiveness is an important factor that plays a crucial role in taking a decision on the annual maintenance of the equipment. As repairing or replacing a certain part of the equipment would cost you a bomb every single time, the option of annual maintenance is a smart choice as it would save a lot of time, energy, and, of course, money. Whether it is an electric wheelchair, hospital beds, or traction equipment, it is better to fix the issue there and then rather than waiting for it to damage the entire machinery. It is important to note that worn-out equipment like a transfer bench can lead to fatal accidents, which may further lead to legal consequences.

Increase Efficiency

Well-maintained equipment will give you the complete value for your money. If your medical equipment is in good condition, it will directly affect the efficiency or performance of the machinery. Irrespective of the size or usage, every piece of equipment plays a crucial role in the care and recovery of the patient. For instance, a blood pressure monitor is as important as the oxygen mask., which in turn enhances the level of patient care.

Extends the Life of Equipment

Regular care and maintenance are essential to extend the life of all the medical equipment. The machinery is made of a combination of different parts that function together, hence, it is essential to make sure that all the spare parts are in good condition. Save yourself from the hassle of replacing and repairing the equipment now and then by opting for a periodic check and repair. A basic item like a bedside commode might not have complicated machinery, but if it fails to facilitate maneuverability because of issues in the locking casters and swivels, it is of no use!

Advanced Technology Calls for Regular Check-ups

The advancement in the medical industry has resulted in state-of-the-art equipment that requires regular maintenance, otherwise there might be issues in the instruments that result in inaccurate analysis or discomfort to patients.  All the leading hospitals make sure that all their equipment works properly and deliver astonishing results in terms of functionality. Their medical supply store offers the latest medicines and cleans up the expired supplies at regular intervals. Don’t leave everything for the last hour, instead opt for regular monitoring and clear the issue immediately. Apart from the moral obligation of the hospital to ensure superior patient care, it is a mandate by the government authorities that has charted guidelines to set a certain standard when it comes to machinery and patient care. Regular compliance and audits are done to keep a surveillance on the healthcare institutions. Therefore, to avoid legal implications and maintain the highest standard of patient care, regular maintenance of medical equipment is essential.