Distribution of medical equipment

What is the distribution of medical equipment?

​​​​​​​The distribution of medical equipment refers to the process of delivering medical devices and tools from manufacturers to hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. In other words, it involves the direct sale of medical equipment and supplies to medical institutions, healthcare professionals, and distributors.

Distribution Channels for Medical Equipment

Distribution channels are a collection of organizations or individuals responsible for making goods and services available to the final consumer. A logical balance between their interests ensures the longevity of the channel. Distribution channels are efficient when they can deliver the product at the right time, in the right condition, in the right quantity, at the right cost, in the right place, and to the right person.Distribution channels are divided into two categories: direct distribution and indirect distribution.

Stages of Medical Equipment Distribution

• Technical Officer Verification
• ​​​​​​​Company Verification (Authorized Distributors)
• Warehouse Inspection
• Issuance of Operating License
• Registration of Distribution Agency

Importance of Medical Equipment Distribution

The distribution of medical equipment is important from several perspectives. Firstly, this process helps meet the medical needs of hospitals and healthcare centers by providing access to advanced equipment. Secondly, the distribution of medical equipment contributes to improving the quality of medical services and enhancing the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, this process can reduce waiting times for equipment and increase treatment efficiency.

Requirements and Standards for Medical Equipment Distribution
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• One of the most important stages in distribution is adhering to the requirements and standards for the distribution of medical devices, which include:
  All medical devices must have a manufacturing permit, an importation and clearance permit, and a medical device registration identifier (IRC) from the General Directorate, along with an authenticity label.
  The provision, maintenance, transportation, use, distribution, sale, and operation of medical devices without a manufacturing permit or importation and clearance permit from the General Directorate, as per Article 27 of the Anti-Smuggling of Goods and Currency Law and its Clause 1, is considered as the provision, use, and sale of smuggled goods, and any potential violations will be dealt with according to current rules and regulations.
  Advertising medical devices without a valid manufacturing permit or importation and clearance permit from the General Directorate is prohibited.
  All nationwide distributors (distribution companies) must obtain representation and supply medical devices directly from suppliers.
  The distribution and sale of medical devices between suppliers, between sellers and pharmacies, between national distributors, and between regional distributors is not permitted.
  All suppliers, distributors, and sellers of medical devices are required to register and maintain purchase and sales documents for at least 10 years and must complete the necessary details in the distribution system declared by the General Directorate.
  All distributors of medical devices must appoint a technical manager with a degree in biomedical engineering.
  Given the necessity of supplying medical devices with valid manufacturing and importation/clearance permits, medical institutions must, under the supervision and actions of the technical manager through the biomedical engineering department or hospital pharmacy, procure necessary medical devices through the distribution network.
  Adherence to scientific and safety principles, maintenance, storage, and transportation of medical devices, in accordance with the regulations, rules, and guidelines issued by the General Directorate, and within the framework of scientific and technical principles (GSP, GDP), is mandatory for all suppliers, distributors, sellers, as well as institutions and medical professionals.
  For more information about the necessary requirements and standards, you can download the guidelines of the Food and Drug Organization from the link below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Challenges and Problems in Medical Device Distribution

The distribution of medical devic​​​​​​​es faces numerous challenges and problems. One of the most important issues is logistical problems and high transportation costs. Additionally, concerns related to the quality and authenticity of the distributed equipment are other challenges in this process. To address these challenges, distribution companies must pay special attention to collaborating with reputable suppliers and utilizing modern technologies. Sib Sabz Salamat company can guide you in the process of obtaining medical device distribution.