Implementation of Legal Metrology Framework for Medical Devices to Healthcare Sector in the Republic of Uzbekistan

Background: The safety and reliability of medical devices are becoming more emphasized as time passes. Crisis situations such as COVID-19 have shown the negative effects that can be brought upon by a lack of medical device surveillance mechanisms. Objectives: The aim of this study is to present the results of the implementation of the legal metrology framework conducted by joint efforts of the State Center of Expertise and Standardization of Medicines, Medical Devices, and Medical Equipment and the Uzbek National Institute of Metrology. Methods: The study was based on the data collected from annual performance inspections in all healthcare institutions in the period from 2016 to 2021 for 37 types of medical devices. Data envelopment analysis was used to derive conclusions and the results were compared with results from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Results: Results indicate that the implementation of legal metrology the framework leads to a significant increase in the accuracy of medical devices hence leading to increased reliability and patient safety in diagnostic and therapeutic processes. Conclusions: Fault prediction of medical devices enables more effective maintenance strategies thus enhancing cost-effectiveness and decreasing the downtime of equipment. This in turn leads to a more efficient healthcare system capable of facing challenges of the society.