In the MedTech industry, where products and services directly impact human health, the stakes are inherently high. Business ethics and compliance are foundational to ensuring that medical technologies are developed, marketed, and used responsibly.
As the leading medical technology association in the Middle East and Africa, Mecomed prioritizes ethical business practices to build trust and ensure patient safety. Through initiatives focused on regulatory affairs and compliance, Mecomed actively shapes an industry where integrity and transparency are paramount, with the patient as the North Star guiding its approach.
The Mecomed Code of Ethical Business Practice is the cornerstone of the organization’s compliance efforts. This comprehensive framework sets clear guidelines for ethical interactions between MedTech companies and healthcare professionals. To ensure compliance, Mecomed provides continuous training to its members, emphasizing the importance of integrity in every business interaction. This not only safeguards the reputation of individual companies but also fosters a culture of transparency across the industry.
Mecomed’s Certified Partners program ensures that MedTech companies adhere to the ethical guidelines set by the Mecomed Code of Ethical Business Practice. This code regulates key aspects of the relationships between medical device companies and healthcare professionals, particularly in areas such as sponsorships, educational grants, and other professional interactions. Certified partners demonstrate their commitment to transparency and ethical conduct, thereby promoting trust within the industry and ensuring that patient welfare remains the top priority.
The Third-Party Intermediary (TPI) Certification Platform is another significant initiative by Mecomed. This platform ensures that third-party intermediaries and distributors in the MedTech supply chain adhere to the same ethical standards as certified partners. By implementing this certification process, Mecomed reinforces accountability and maintains consistency in ethical business practices across all levels of the industry.
The Conference Vetting System (CVS) is a crucial tool Mecomed employs to uphold ethical standards in the MedTech sector. Designed as a centralized decision-making platform, CVS ensures transparency and consistency in evaluating third-party medical education events. Previously, Mecomed members and Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs) were responsible for individually determining whether events aligned with the Mecomed Code of Ethical Business Practice. CVS alleviates this administrative burden by independently assessing event compliance, ensuring that support is granted only to events that meet strict ethical standards.
Transparency is a fundamental pillar of ethical compliance, and Mecomed reinforces this through its Disclosure Platform - a centralized transparency tool that enables Mecomed member companies to disclose all financial contributions toward independent medical education. These contributions, known as Educational Grants, are provided in full compliance with the Mecomed Code of Ethical Business Practice.