Leveraging molecular diagnostics and digital pathology to strengthen value of sector: Pathology Awareness Australia

MedTech News: Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP, recently said “The value of pathology has been brought to the forefront during the pandemic”.

John Crothers, Chair, Pathology Awareness Australia, joined Health Industry Hub to reflect on the theme for this year’s International Pathology Day and discuss the highlights and key learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic that are critical to the sector.

More than 97% of the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products used in Australia are imported, exposing us to supply shortages during periods of high demand and stress on global supply chains. Despite the presence of some local diagnostics companies, the current environment to develop sovereign manufacturing capability is still perceived to be unfavourable by a range of stakeholders. John shared his views how this complex challenge facing the diagnostics sector could be tackled and shared his perspectives on the future trends and dynamics in the industry.

In focussing on the role of Pathology Awareness Australia, John discussed how the organisation is driving advocacy to ensure Australians have equitable and timely access to novel diagnostics.

“It’s built around raising the awareness of the value of this thing called pathology. Pathology has been a black box. One in two Australians have a pathology test every year – that’s an amazing number. Our role is to raise the awareness of that so that those who are managing or thinking about healthcare and policy and funding are able to look at it from a different context as to what this asset is and using it well…to then help drive different conversations in both policy and funding for the betterment of Australians,” John said.

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