A new study has revealed a surge in medical device recalls with an increase in excess of 160% in the first quarter of 2012 alone.
This huge increase translates into 5 times as many medical devices affected in recalls versus the last quarter of 2011. Consumer product recalls also increased in this year’s first quarter, although pharmaceutical and food recalls dropped when compared to previous quarters.
Medical device recalls involved include alcohol prep pads, catheters needles and latex gloves. In the first quarter documented medical device recalls involved a massive 82million units which represented a 508% increase over the prior quarter and represents a 5-quarter high.
Speaking about the latest figures, Liam Moloney Product Liability Solicitor of Naas Co Kildare said today “ the increased levels of recalls is troublesome. Irish patients rely on an increasing number of medical devices to improve and protect their health. Consumer and patient safety should be the number one priority for every manufacturer, distributor, retailer and health care facility’’.
Mr Moloney also pointed out that medical device companies should be doing everything possible to minimize the safety concerns that would result in recalls. He added “any business or individual within a supply chain whether a distributor or a Doctor, should keep close tabs on the products they handle to ensure that potential safety concerns are identified early and reported to the manufacturer and the Regulatory Agency in Ireland which is the Irish Medicines Board’’.
