Arabic Language Officially Integrated Into Global Medical Device Nomenclature System

Arabic has been officially added to the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN) system. This significant development was announced at the International Healthcare Technology Management Conference in Riyadh in February. It marks Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in connecting the Arab world with the global medical community.

The project, which began in 2022, was a collaborative effort by the Medical Electrical Equipment Maintenance Professionals Association (MEEMPA) and the GMDN Agency. The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission supported it through its Tarjim Initiative. "The project adhered to top-tier international standards, and the translations were carried out according to ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 requirements to guarantee accuracy and quality in medical terminology," said the release.

A local translation office accredited by the commission played a crucial role by translating 30,000 medical terms. This effort covered about 1.8 million words, with 900,000 already published on the GMDN Agency’s online platform. The remaining terms are expected to be translated soon.

GMDN is a globally recognised standard used by over 7,000 medical device manufacturers worldwide. It plays a critical role in standardising device terminology while facilitating regulatory compliance, international marketing, and export operations.

The system enhances patient safety by providing strict definitions for diagnostic and therapeutic devices. Speakers at the conference highlighted that integrating Arabic into GMDN represents a historic milestone in linking Arab healthcare providers with the global medical community.

Healthcare institutions across Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations can now create free accounts on the GMDN Agency’s platform to access this service. "This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Program and contributes to greater health integration among Arab nations," said the release.

With inputs from SPA