Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has launched a digital awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe and proper use of medical devices and supplies intended for home use. This campaign aligns with its ongoing commitment to public health and is a key component of its fourth strategic plan.

By leveraging digital and social media platforms, the SFDA aims to effectively reach diverse segments of the community, providing essential awareness messages and practical guidance to enhance health safety in the home environment.

In a press statement, the SFDA emphasized the importance of purchasing home medical devices from a licensed supplying facility that offers warranty and after-sales services, including necessary maintenance. It also highlighted the need to verify that the specific medical device has the required licenses and a valid marketing authorization certificate.

Given the wide range of available options and specifications, the SFDA advised consulting a qualified healthcare specialist to select the most appropriate device type for the individual's medical condition. It also underscored the need to review the instructions for proper use and care, and to obtain any necessary training before purchase.

The authority also highlighted that the general safe use guidelines include ensuring that instructions for use are available in both Arabic and English, retaining the purchase receipt; keeping devices out of children's and pets' reach to prevent tampering that could affect settings or electrical wiring, and adhering to recommended calibration schedules and periodic maintenance.

The SFDA urged the public to report any issues or incidents related to home medical devices or supplies through the National Center for Medical Devices Reporting at https://ade.sfda.gov.sa/Home/NcmdrReport or by calling the unified call number 19999.