The medical technology industry in Australia is crucial for the economy, but there is a need to address challenges in attracting talent and promoting innovation in order to support its growth and potential, according to an extensive report on medical technology in Australia.
In June 2023 the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) launched The Value of MedTech Report – a major study quantifying the difference the MedTech industry makes to the lives of Australian patients, the healthcare system and the Australian economy.
The report was prepared using analysis by the Nous Group for the Medical Technology Association of Australia with support from MTPConnect and Pathology Technology Australia.
As part of MTAA’s annual MedTech on the Hill initiative, the report was formally launched in June 2023 by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, in Parliament House during an event attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, and key health sector stakeholders.
The Report brings to light the significant value and contribution of MedTech in Australia, particularly to Australia’s healthcare system, industry development, employment and the wider economy.
Australian Health Journal spoke with MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess and MTAA Policy Manager, Pravin Siriwardena about the report and its key findings.
About MTAA
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) is the national association representing companies in the medical technology industry. MTAA aims to ensure the benefits of modern, innovative and reliable medical technology are delivered effectively to provide better health outcomes to the Australian community.
MTAA represents manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of disease and disability. The range of medical technology is diverse with products ranging from familiar items such as syringes and wound dressings, through to high-technology implanted devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, hip and other orthopaedic implants. Products also include hospital and diagnostic imaging equipment such as ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging machines.
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In development, age specific clinical practice guidelines for early onset bowel cancer
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has agreed to consider for approval the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Early Diagnosis and Management of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer (EOCRC), to be developed by Bowel Cancer Australia in collaboration with the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration (ALEC), and funded by Bowel Cancer Australia. ALEC is led by Cochrane Australia and based in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University.
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Paramedics seek team-based primary health care pilots
The Chief Executive Officer of The Australasian College of Paramedicine, John Bruning spoke with Australian Health Journal about the following:
New models of care proposed for paramedics
Paramedicine pilot program in the pre-budget submission
Scope of how paramedics can support General Practice, and guidelines on safety and quality
Current limitations experienced by paramedics needing to be addressed by Government
Other health priorities hopefully addressed in Federal Budget.In the lead up to the Australian Federal Budget in May 2023, Australian Health Journal reached out to peak health industry bodies to hear about their priorities, either noted in pre-budget submissions lodged with Federal Government in January 2023 or in recent forums such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
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Greater flexibility in medicine safety programs delivered by pharmacists
Addressing delegates at PSA26, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) yearly conference, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, announced negotiations are progressing on the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement (1PPA), and that from 1 November, follow-up services for Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) and Residential Medication Management Reviews (RMMRs) programs will be able to be delivered via telehealth.
