The Global Harmonization Working Party (GHWP) for Medical Devices started today, February 13, its 26th meeting to discuss ways to develop research and innovation in the field of medical devices and supplies, and developments in the medical device technology, including digital health, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, and legislative and regulatory developments for control of medical devices and supplies.

The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Dr. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, and GHWP Chair and Executive Vice President of the Medical Devices and Supplies Sector at SFDA, Eng. Ali Al-Dalaan, inaugurated the three-day meeting which brought together heads of the regulatory bodies in member states, and several local and international manufacturers and suppliers of medical devices.

At the meeting, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Digital City in Riyadh, Al-Dalaan stressed that it comes in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to support, localize and attract development industries and modern technologies, including the medical technology sector.

The meeting, he said, is an opportunity to invite international companies to invest in the Kingdom's market, knowing that the Kingdom's medical device and supply field is consistent with international norms, besides following a special legislative track that supports innovation in medical devices and clinical studies.

The present meeting is the first of its kind for the GHWP, after it was transformed from an Asian to a global organization led by the Kingdom. The members of the organization constitute approximately 57% of the total world population, and the member states lead the way in research, innovation and technological progress in the field of medical devices and supplies.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosts this meeting in addition to the 26th annual meeting of the scientific and technical working teams of the GHWP; taking part are more than 400 speakers from among leaders, experts, specialists and entities interested in the field of medical devices and supplies, as well as factories and regulatory authorities in the field.