Patient voice amplifies the value of medtech, strengthening launch of new report at Parliament House

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Australian patients could benefit from ground-breaking medical technologies sooner if the government implements reforms that were recommended by a House of Representatives inquiry over a year ago.

Ian Burgess, CEO of Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) and Eden, an inspiring 17 year old, joined Health Industry Hub to discuss the transformative power of medtech. The interview highlighted the release of The Value of MedTech report, being launched at Parliament House tonight, that quantifies the substantial value that the medtech sector brings to Australia’s health system, economy, and most importantly, to patients.

“We wanted to provide an authoritative report that quantifies the enormous value that medtech provides to Australia,” Mr Burgess explained. “The report outlines and quantifies the contributions that med tech makes to our economy, health system, and patients every day. It also emphasises the opportunities to maximise future benefits and strengthen our health system and economy while providing great outcomes for patients.”

The conversation then shifted to Eden, who courageously shared his personal story and the decision to undergo surgery. Eden vividly described the challenges he faced due to severe pain from a rare spinal condition, impacting his daily activities and enjoyment of life as a teenager. After the recovery period, Eden’s life was completely transformed. He now experiences no pain, participates in powerlifting and mountain biking, and leads an active, pain-free lifestyle.

The interview then delved into the barriers identified in the report that pose challenges to the future growth of the medtech sector. Mr Burgess stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent Australians from waiting longer than necessary for life-saving and life-changing technology. He called for a cultural shift from viewing healthcare as a short-term cost to recognising it as a long-term investment.

The MTAA is urging policymakers to recognise the broader value that medtech provides to patients and the economy and to ensure that assessment and approval processes align with this recognition.

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