Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, an advisor to MedTech suppliers, chair of the Urology Trade Association, and governor of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, reports on action taken by MedTech Europe to promote the sector’s agenda with the EU.
In an open letter addressed to the EU’s Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council [EPSCO], MedTech Europe has called for urgent reforms to bolster the EU's health sector and maintain its competitive edge globally.
The letter, released ahead of the recent EPSCO meeting [December 2nd] highlights the strategic importance of the medical technology industry in enhancing healthcare systems and driving innovation.
MedTech Europe, representing the medical technology industry, emphasised the need for structural reforms in the regulatory framework to streamline the implementation of EU Regulations 2017/745 and 2017/746. These reforms aim to ensure timely and safe innovation launches, reducing legal uncertainties and administrative burdens that currently hinder the sector's growth. EU watchers expect the European Commission to begin to review EU procurement regulations in 2025, and the sector should engage actively in this process.
The letter also advocates for policy synchronisation across different domains to mitigate market fragmentation and boost investor confidence. Strategic investments in healthcare systems, particularly in digital health and medical technologies, are deemed crucial for reducing care costs and securing Europe's leadership in healthcare innovation.
In the letter, Oliver Bisazza, CEO of MedTech Europe, underscored the industry's commitment to saving lives and improving health, while also addressing the challenges of bridging innovation creation and launch. The letter concludes with a call for the EPSCO Health Council to take decisive action to support the medical technology sector's vital role in Europe's healthcare landscape.
Additionally, MedTech Europe calls for value-based procurement [VBP] practices that align with Europe's environmental and economic goals, promoting a joint approach to decarbonisation and competitiveness – themes that were also explored at the 6th Value Based Procurement Conference held in Brussels on 2nd December and attended by over 100 VBP experts from all around Europe and elsewhere in the world, including representatives from as far afield as Canada.
A common theme from speakers at the conference was the importance of assembling evidence to support claims that devices and procedures improve patient outcomes, a process that requires that data is accurate and independently collated and reviewed. As a presenter at the event, I had the opportunity to showcase work in England led by the Government’s MedTech Directorate, drawing on case studies undertaken by leading healthcare product supplier, Essity, which demonstrated how VBP will deliver improved patient experience and outcomes, substantial savings to NHS and social care, whilst reducing environmental impact. A strategy for the roll out of the new VBP methodology in England is currently being developed, with pilots of the new methodology expected to be launched in the near future through a number of England’s Integrated Care Systems which bring together health and social care providers to put patients at the heart of local systems.
With VBP being moved demonstrably higher on the policy agenda across Europe and around the world, the sector must continue to engage proactively with policy-makers to build momentum.
Comments upon or questions about this article can be addressed to chris.whitehouse@whitehousecomms.com
