Information Update - Health Canada encourages Canadians to report incidents involving medical devices to help strengthen patient safety

OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Medical devices are vital to the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of Canadians—many of whom could not survive without these devices. More than 100,000 medical devices are licensed for sale in Canada, ranging from everyday items such as bandages to complex implantable technology such as pacemakers.

Canada has one of the most stringent regulatory systems in the world for medical devices. Still, all devices pose risks. The reporting of incidents involving medical devices allows Health Canada to more quickly identify, communicate and act on new or increased medical device safety concerns. With that in mind, Health Canada is asking Canadians who use medical devices to report any incident they experience to Health Canada and their healthcare provider. 

As part of Health Canada's Action Plan on Medical Devices, announced in December 2018, the Department is taking steps to strengthen the monitoring of these devices and follow up on incidents. This includes strengthening regulations and taking action to improve the reporting of medical device incidents by industry, healthcare providers and Canadians.

We encourage Canadians to talk to their healthcare providers about the use of medical devices. Health professionals play a key role in helping patients fully understand the potential benefits and risks of different treatment options, and therefore in helping them to make informed choices about their health and well-being. We also encourage Canadians to report to their healthcare provider and Health Canada if they experience a safety issue with a medical device.

What consumers should do:

• Discuss treatment options and the potential benefits and risks of medical devices with your healthcare provider.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have any health concerns related to your use of a medical device.
• Report complaints involving medical devices to Health Canada by calling toll-free at 1-800-267-9675, or by reporting online.
• Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls.

Health Canada will continue to update Canadians on progress against its Action Plan on Medical Devices, including as it receives more information on incidents from Canadians, healthcare professionals and industry.

Associated links:

Health Canada Releases Action Plan on Medical Devices
Health Canada's Action Plan on Medical Devices
2017 Highlights Report on New Drugs and Medical Devices
Report a Health and Safety Concern
New Safety and Effectiveness Reviews 
The Drug and Health Product Register
MedEffect Canada
Summary safety reviews
Drug product database

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SOURCE Health Canada

Media Inquiries: Health Canada, [phone], [email protected]; Public Inquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709