A time and cost effective production method for medical devices with a 
hydrophilic coating is provided, which ensures adequate adhesion to the substrate, as well as good 
water retention and 
low friction properties. Specifically, the method comprises the steps of: providing a substrate; applying, in one or more steps, a 
coating solution comprising a hydrophilic 
polymer to a surface of said substrate to form a non-cross-linked 
hydrophilic coating on said substrate; and irradiating the coated substrate, wherein said 
irradiation is adapted both to cross-link said 
hydrophilic coating and to simultaneously sterilize the 
medical device.Hereby, a non-cross linked hydrophilic 
coating is first obtained on the substrate, which 
coating is loosely connected to the substrate, and which is not fit for use as a 
catheter coating. However, after the step of irradiating the coated substrate, the hydrophilic coating becomes cross-linked, and fit for use e.g. on a 
urinary catheter. Further, since one and the same 
irradiation step is used to effect both cross-linking and sterilization, the production can be made more efficient, using fewer production steps and with a shortened production time.