Assessment and Enhancement of Medical Technology Management in the Private Healthcare Sector
摘要
This study proposes a strategic approach to strengthen healthcare technology management in the province of Tucumán, in light of the significant gap between National Law No. 26,906—governing the traceability and technical verification of active medical devices—and its actual regulatory enforcement. The findings reveal critical shortcomings in compliance during the clinical use phase, underscoring the urgency of implementing a structured framework to operationalize the law. The intervention targeted 35 private inpatient healthcare institutions, with active participation from 10. Activities included theoretical-practical workshops, awareness seminars, hybrid meetings, and the deployment of a self-assessment checklist to evaluate the technological landscape. Results showed a marked disparity in medical technology investment, a widespread lack of understanding regarding equipment lifespan, and the absence of formal maintenance management systems. Despite institutional reluctance, cost-related resistance, and the lack of regulatory enforcement mechanisms, the program successfully raised awareness about the roles of metrology, technovigilance, and traceability in the lifecycle of active medical devices. Collaboration with professional bodies and key stakeholders enabled initial barriers to be addressed and provided a foundation for the institutionalization of technology management in the health sector. The study concludes that bridging the gap between legislation and practice requires integrating technology management into the healthcare system, as a strategic pillar to ensure regulatory compliance, patient safety, and the effective use of critical medical technologies.