Advantages of Refurbished Medical Equipment

Posted on 16/05/2022

Refurbishment is a method of restoring used equipment to the same or better condition than when it was first purchased. This type of action has significant environmental and social benefits. Aside from the substantial environmental benefits, the industry that can grow around repairing obsolete medical equipment generates a strong and sustainable economy in nations where such modern technology is processed according to a widely acknowledged framework.

Now how does refurbishment differ from repair. Although both of them sound the same there is major differences in both. If the machine has broken down, repair is restoring it to working order. It implies to repair harm, to mend something damaged, or to solve a problem. Repairing equipment does not make it as good as "new." But, on the other hand refurbishment is defined as the process of rebuilding or renewing something using wholly new materials, components, or pieces in order to return it to its original (or better) functional condition and look. A used or second-hand machine can be in good operating order right now. It may, however, contain some worn-out parts, making it more likely to break down at any time. A refurbished equipment has a lower possibility of breaking down.

What are the benefits of Refurbished Equipments?

Refurbishing medical equipment involves prolonging the equipment's life, which is often 5/7 to 10/14 years or longer, and so it is a form of reuse and waste prevention. This also reduces the amount of energy and resources required to create a new device.

Apart from these significant environmental benefits, refurbishing gives long-term economic benefits by generating new company and jobs in the refurbished medical equipment sector. As a result, we can confidently assert that medical equipment repair brings significant environmental and social benefits.

Existing equipment owners may choose restoring their machine rather than disposing of it and buying new. Refurbishment is often half the price of new and can restore a machine to like-new condition. In addition to the initial cost savings, renovation boosts resale value and, depending on how a firm is formed, might bring tax benefits. A reconditioned asset can be re-capitalized at half the cost of a new equipment using a depreciation schedule.

Aside from the cost savings, user comfort with the machines they've been using is an added benefit. Refurbishment not only eliminates the annoyances of operating a worn-out machine, but it also reduces the learning curve that comes with new equipment. Users often develop attachments to their devices and enjoy seeing them brought back to life in greater condition than before. Refurbishment might also provide an opportunity to upgrade to the most recent technology.

It is definitely a great deal that the machine's life expectancy would increase by 80% as a result of refurbishment and can be purchased by only about half the cost of new equipment.

Who are the potential customers for Refurbished Equipment?

Small and medium hospitals, usually run by doctors and with less than 100 beds, frequently cannot afford to purchase new high-end technology. They choose refurbished equipment from well-known companies since it costs less and lasts for several years. These could be young doctors just starting out on their own after working in larger facilities with similar equipment. They may be familiar with and comfortable with the kind of equipment, but they lack the necessary funds in the early phases of their business.Tier-3 communities may also have significant patient volumes but insufficient paying capacity. Such locations are unable to provide sufficient Return on Investment (ROI) on new equipment.

Used/refurbished medical equipment accounts for over a third of the Indian medical equipment market, mostly for the customers in the preceding category.

When to go for refurbishment ?

When done at the proper time, with the correct equipment, and by the right personnel, refurbishment can save a lot of money over buying new. Although it would be nice to remark that a machine is best suited for refurbishment after a specific number of hours or years of operation, such a statement is far too broad. The type of machine, its age, and the application in which it has been utilized are all crucial variables in determining whether to refurbish it.

It is not possible to refurbish every used system. The decision to repair used equipment is based on whether it can be refurbished to the same quality, performance, safety, and intended usage as when it was new - at a reasonable cost. Before choosing a system, a rigorous evaluation is carried out to ensure that:

  • Configuration and type
  • We have to make sure whether there is a demand for the model, version, and configuration and how up-to-date is the technology for the equipment going to be refurbished. An out-of-date technology level may be too difficult to upgrade or may not even be up-gradable to a saleable technological configuration.

  • Condition, age, and upgradeability
  • In terms of age, mid-life equipment is often favored.
    Condition — Let's divide equipment into four categories, with Tier 0 being "to be condemned" and Tier 4 being "as-good-as-new." Clearly, upgrading a Tier 2 machine to Tier 3 status is feasible. Bringing a Tier 0 machine to Tier 4 could be prohibitively expensive. Buying a new machine may be a better option. Only systems with well-known and acceptable service histories are eligible for refurbishment, thanks to strict selection criteria. Equipment that has seen a lot of use or has been neglected is generally avoided.

    How is refurbishment process done?

    The purpose of a refurbishment process is to return medical equipment to its original operational condition and appearance. A decent renovation procedure includes

  • Correct equipment selection, cleaning and disinfection, professional disassembly, packing, and shipment to the refurbishment center in a safe manner.
  • The center then conducts a complete inspection, testing, and fault diagnosis.
  • After the equipment has been thoroughly examined, a refurbishment plan is drawn up.
  • Replacement of worn-out parts, mechanical, electrical, and computer hardware repair or replacement are all important elements in the refurbishment process. Following that, software upgrades are performed as needed, as well as proper cosmetic refurbishment, professional re-assembly, packing, and shipment to the new location. Re-installation, system performance testing, training, and handover at the customer site must all be done as if it were a new one.

    Conclusion

    Clearly, we can say that refurbished equipment serves the purpose of a new one. One can go for the refurbished machine rather than a used machine which possesses several hazards. Refurbished machines are a cost-effective option and you can purchase the best quality refurbished CT / MRI machines from Cyrix Healthcare PVT LTD. The effectiveness of the refurbishment procedure may not always be judged by the user. However, a refurbisher with the necessary knowledge, abilities, and experience should be confident in extending normal warranties and providing service support for refurbished medical equipment. Cyrix Healthcare PVT LTD provides after sales service and support to the customers hence you can buy from us without any worries.