The Silent Crisis: Broken Medical Equipment and the Right to Repair
During the coronavirus pandemic, delays in repairing ventilators and other critical medical devices highlighted the life-or-death importance of timely maintenance and repairs. These delays were often exacerbated by restrictions imposed by manufacturers, such as limited access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, or proprietary parts. In many cases, hospitals and technicians were unable to fix essential equipment quickly due to these constraints, even when the repairs required were relatively simple.
This highlighted the pressing need for "Right to Repair" initiatives. These campaigns aim to secure legislation that empowers consumers, such as healthcare providers, to obtain the necessary resources for maintaining and repairing essential equipment.
The Right to Repair is a movement and legal framework advocating for consumers' ability to repair and maintain their own products. This includes having access to the tools, parts, software, and information necessary for repair.
There is a battle on both sides of the debate, and manufacturers are also not making it easy for third-party technicians to repair their machines. This lack of the right to repair affects everyone, from farmers and healthcare workers to even ice cream machines at McDonald's (yes, that's why ice cream machines are always broken at McDonald's).
This is particularly critical in healthcare, where delays can compromise patient care. As Ilir Kullolli, Director of Clinical Technology and Biomedical Engineering at Stanford Children’s Health, points out, in-house repairs of medical devices like ventilators, defibrillators, and anesthesia machines can save hospitals and patients both time and money. However, manufacturers frequently hinder these efforts by withholding essential training materials, device manuals, and software.
Ilir Kullolli, as quoted by The Guardian, highlighted that some repairs can take over five days, particularly in rural areas with limited access to local technicians. He emphasized that the right to repair devices can save struggling hospitals significant sums, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to data, allowing local technicians to perform repairs is at least one-third more cost-effective than relying on the manufacturer.
Medical equipment is often sold with manufacturer-imposed restrictions that allow only the manufacturer to perform certain repairs. Unfortunately, this means that when medical equipment breaks down, delays of hours or even days can occur, even if qualified and trained technicians are available. This situation can compromise patient safety and increase costs for hospitals.
In April 2024, the European Parliament adopted a directive on the so-called 'Right to Repair' for consumers. The new rules require manufacturers to provide timely and cost-effective repair services while informing consumers about their repair rights. Additionally, goods repaired under warranty will receive a one-year extension of the legal guarantee, further incentivizing consumers to opt for repair over replacement.
In the United States, few states have passed 'Right to Repair' laws, and President Joe Biden signed an executive order directing the Federal Trade Commission to issue rules preventing manufacturers from imposing restrictions on independent repair shops and DIY repairs.
There's a right-to-repair lobby here as well, called Right to Repair South Africa. The odd thing about this particular organization is that, while most such organizations lead a united front for all industries, our local version explicitly advocates for the Right to Repair in the South African Automotive Aftermarket. This fragmented approach could be the reason there's no progress on this issue in South Africa.
The right to repair medical equipment is a multifaceted issue with potential benefits and risks. Balancing patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability will be crucial in shaping future regulations and industry practices.
Potential Benefits
Reduced Costs
Independent repair providers could offer more affordable repair options compared to manufacturer-authorized services.
Increased Access
Patients in underserved areas could benefit from access to repaired equipment more quickly.
Environmental Sustainability
Extending the lifespan of medical devices could reduce electronic waste.
Potential Drawbacks
Patient Safety
Improper repairs could compromise the safety and effectiveness of medical devices.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards could be challenging for independent repair providers.
Manufacturers Intellectual Property
Manufacturers may be concerned about the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets.