Medical devices refer to instruments, equipment, apparatuses, in vitro diagnostic reagents and calibrators, materials and other similar or related items that are directly or indirectly used on the human body, including the necessary computer software. Medical devices include medical equipment and medical consumables. Utility is mainly obtained through physical means, not through pharmacological, immunological or metabolic means, or although these means are involved, they only play an auxiliary role.
The purpose is to diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat or alleviate diseases. Diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, relief or functional compensation of injuries; The inspection, substitution, regulation or support of physiological structures or physiological processes; Support or maintenance of life; Pregnancy control By examining samples from the human body, information is provided for medical or diagnostic purposes.
In 2023, the National Medical Products Administration approved a total of 61 innovative medical devices, among which 12 were given priority approval. The number of approved innovative medical devices reached a new high, increasing by 6 compared with 2022.
The medical device industry involves multiple sectors such as medicine, machinery, electronics, and materials. It is a high-tech industry that integrates multiple disciplines, is knowledge-intensive, and capital-intensive. The basic characteristics of high-tech medical equipment are digitalization and computerization. It is the crystallization of modern high technology across multiple disciplines and fields. Its products have high technological content and high profits, and thus it is the commanding height where major scientific and technological countries and international large companies compete with each other, with a relatively high entry threshold. Even in sub-sectors where the overall gross profit margin of the industry is relatively low and investment is not high, there will continue to emerge products with high technological content, from which some enterprises with strong profitability will be nurtured. Therefore, the overall trend of the industry is high investment and high returns.
Medical imaging equipment is an indispensable component of hospital medical facilities and an important manifestation of a hospital's comprehensive strength. It not only provides a crucial guarantee for clinical diagnosis and treatment but also offers an important platform for clinical scientific research. Imaging equipment, as a comprehensive platform, plays a significant role in promoting the development of hospitals.
