Merck MD maps future of pharma industry: Reimagining Healthcare Senior Leadership Series

In the Reimagining Healthcare senior leadership series, Josie Downey, Managing Director of Merck Healthcare Australia, joined Health Industry Hub to share her vision on the future of healthcare and the evolving role of the pharmaceutical industry within it.

Questioned on the future landscape of healthcare in Australia, Downey painted a vivid picture unbounded by current limitations.

“In the future, our industry is involved as a trusted partner working alongside patients, alongside clinicians and government in any conversation where medicines and new medical technologies can make a difference,” she stated.

Reflecting on concerns from consumers over the politicisation of science and the desire for transparency, Downey acknowledged a broader industry sentiment. She highlighted the pivotal role of the industry in reversing distrust, leveraging the consumer perception of the industry being a more trusted institution than governments. She advocated for closer integration between industry and scientific communities to drive meaningful change.

“We have a responsibility to share expertise more broadly so that the general public doesn’t feel that decisions are being made and that they’re being left out,” Downey emphasised. “It’s important that we base our actions on science and evidence rather than the politics of the day. And that we’re purpose-lead, asking the question – is this in the best interest of patients?”

In closing, Downey highlighted the key actions that are essential in the short-term to lead us towards the reimagined future of the pharma industry within the healthcare sector.

In reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Health Industry Hub^TM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

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