Planned Obsolescence in Healthcare: A Dangerous Trend
In November 2020, Apple agreed to pay millions of dollars to settle consumer fraud lawsuits brought by more than 30 states over allegations that it secretly slowed down old iPhones, a controversy that became known as "batterygate." The iPhone maker was accused of intentionally slowing down older phones in order to compel consumers to buy their new ones.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Manufacturers from farming to medical equipment have been involved in this practice, leading to devastating environmental consequences. This is what is called "planned obsolescence.
What is planned obsolescence?
Planned obsolescence is the practice of designing products to become obsolete or non-functional within a specific timeframe, typically to encourage consumers to purchase replacements. This is a deliberate strategy by manufacturers or companies to design products with a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to replace them more frequently. This practice can manifest in various ways, such as through reduced durability, incompatibility with newer technology, or difficulty to repair.
Nothing is built to last anymore. Consumers are expected to frequently purchase devices as older ones become less useful. Products from olden days were built to last generations, but now they are built to hook a customer on frequent upgrades. Products are intentionally made with inferior materials or designs that wear out or break after a certain period. This practice has been profitable to manufacturers.
Planned obsolescence in healthcare
Planned obsolescence in healthcare can be a serious issue, particularly in the realm of medical devices. It can have an impact on patient care, healthcare costs, and the environment. Here are some ways it can manifest:
Digital Locks
Manufacturers may intentionally design devices with software locks that prevent them from being repaired or reused, even if they are still functionally sound. This forces healthcare providers to purchase new equipment, even if the old equipment is still working.
Planned Component Failure
Some devices may be designed with components that are expected to fail after a certain period of time, necessitating replacement of the entire device.
Software Updates
Software updates may render older devices incompatible with newer systems or slower, making them less efficient and less desirable. The implications of planned obsolescence in healthcare are significant:
Increased Costs
Healthcare providers face higher costs due to the need to replace devices more frequently. This can lead to increased healthcare costs for patients.
Patient Safety Risks
Outdated equipment may not be as safe or effective as newer models, potentially putting patients at risk.
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Environmental Impact
The disposal of medical devices contributes to electronic waste and environmental pollution.
Limited Innovation
Planned obsolescence can stifle innovation as manufacturers focus on producing devices with shorter lifespans rather than developing truly groundbreaking technologies.
To mitigate the negative impacts of planned obsolescence in healthcare, several strategies can be employed:
Right to Repair
Enacting legislation that gives consumers and healthcare providers the right to repair devices can help extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
Open-Source Hardware
Promoting the use of open-source hardware designs can encourage innovation and reduce reliance on proprietary components.
Sustainable Design
Designing devices with longer lifespans, modular components, and recyclable materials can help reduce waste and environmental impact.
Ethical Sourcing
Ensuring that medical devices are sourced from suppliers who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices can help minimize the negative impacts of production and disposal.
Contact us now to explore our range of medical equipment tailored to your needs. Your patients deserve the best – let's make it happen together.
Contact www.lepekemedical.com
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Medical Doctor at Ministry of Health - Zambia
3 个月Then it's not just Apple for mobile phones most mobile phones manufacturers design them not to have software updates after 2 years of use.