New recommendations to build a resilient domestic diagnostics sector

MedTech & Diagnostics News: A new Action Plan aimed at bolstering end-to-end sovereign manufacturing capabilities of diagnostics products in Australia has been unveiled by MTPConnect and Pathology Technology Australia (PTA). This strategic initiative also aims to enhance the resilience of the supply chain vital to the healthcare sector.

The Australian Diagnostics Action Plan Team (ADAPT) outlines a diverse array of pragmatic recommendations, all aimed at realising a robust sovereign diagnostics manufacturing ecosystem. The formulation of this plan has been underpinned by extensive consultations with over 140 stakeholders across the nation, with valuable inputs from industry experts at the forefront.

Stuart Dignam, CEO of MTPConnect, expressed his conviction that the comprehensive findings, data-driven insights, and innovative recommendations of the plan would exert a profound influence on the sector’s future trajectory.

“Australia is home to some of the world’s leading diagnostics research and development, yet our healthcare system remains vulnerable to a chronic reliance on overseas manufacturers and suppliers to deliver the diagnostics products on which the health of our population and protection of our biosecurity depends,” remarked Mr Dignam.

He continued, “The plan we have prepared with PTA capitalises on the local industry’s existing strengths, while prioritising innovation, boosting expertise and reducing investment risk. It outlines a framework for enhancing the diagnostic infrastructure, supporting commercialisation of new innovations, improving access to testing, and strengthening the regulatory framework for diagnostic products and services.”

Mr Dignam emphasised the substantial benefits that would accrue from the plan’s practical measures in nurturing a resilient domestic diagnostics sector.

“With the implementation of these practical initiatives to build a resilient domestic diagnostics sector, we can not only help to protect the health of Australians but also foster the growth of dynamic, globally significant companies, create new high-paying jobs and spur economic growth in a field where Australia has already shown its competitiveness,” he noted.

Dean Whiting, CEO of PTA, said that the Action Plan effectively addresses the crucial challenges that afflict the health security of Australia, including its capacity to locally produce vital diagnostic tests.

“In Australia, accessible and effective diagnostic technologies – from pregnancy tests and blood glucose monitors to rapid antigen and PCR tests – play a critical role in detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases. The report found that we import more than 95 per cent of diagnostic tests and technologies.”

He added “The pandemic brought into focus Australia’s parlous state with respect to our sovereign high-tech manufacturing capability and supply chain security to ensure availability of these technologies. And while the pandemic has subsided, the supply chain vulnerabilities remain, so this Action Plan thoroughly investigates the barriers to commercialising diagnostic devices in Australia and makes a range of recommendations for remediating them.

“Rapid action on this plan will see Australia better placed to manage future health emergencies and critical supply disruptions and by strengthening our diagnostic capability, we also increase our ability to compete in global markets and boost our national prosperity,” he stressed.

Key recommendations from the report, Diagnostic Technology Sovereign Capability & Resilience: A National Action Plan, include:

• establish a National Diagnostics Development Centre and Diagnostics Manufacturing Fund to
  support the commercialisation and in-country manufacture of diagnostic products
• establish a Diagnostics Advisory Council that informs government and supports industry
• build a coordinated Nationwide Diagnostics Policy across states and territories
• implement sustainable Procurement Practices to harness federal, state and territory
• government purchasing power and prioritise local diagnostic products and stimulate domestic
  manufacturing.

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