An independent review into an inquiry into the potential racial and gender bias of medical devices is seeking evidence from health professionals and the public.

The inquiry was launched by the former secretary of state for health and social care Sajid Javid as a part of the government’s priority to tackle health inequalities. Its aim is to establish how medical devices and technologies may be biased against patients of different ethnicities, genders and other socio-economic groups.

Led by Professor Dame Margaret Whitehead, the inquiry is now calling on views from health professionals, academics, researchers, engineers and device developers who work with medical devices, such as oxygen measuring devices and infrared scanners.

Members of the public, patients and carers can also contribute their views on their experience of using such devices.

The aim is to reduce the potential for medical devices to worsen existing healthcare issues. For instance, some devices employing infrared light or imaging may not perform as well with patients with darker skin pigmentation.

Health minister Gillian Keegan said she is committed to ensuring all patients receive 'high-quality, innovative healthcare' without discrimination.

'The independent review is part of our vital work to tackle healthcare inequalities, and I invite the industry to share their expertise in the call for evidence so we can ensure medical devices are free of any form of bias.'

Experts and other interested parties have eight weeks to present their views, with a deadline of 6 October.

Last year, Sajid Javid said racially-biased medical instruments ‘cannot be acceptable at any level’.

Interim findings of the inquiry are expected to be announced in the winter, followed by the publication of options for consideration by spring 2023.