European Healthcare System: Changes for a Sustainable Future

Europe might need to rethink its healthcare system in order to put it back on a sustainable track. Not only the European industry is suffering from increased demand, as a result of its demographic trend (expanding elderly population), but also because government spendings are under pressure and there are ever fewer healthcare professionals.

According to MedTech Europe, the industry has developed a Contract for a Healthy Future, its five-year strategy, in which they commit themselves to adapt their “business model to deliver value-based innovations which will help steer European healthcare systems onto a sustainable path.” MedTech Europe and Boston Consulting Group have developed a report that “looks at how companies respond to the new market realities and where the industry stands in terms of making the necessary changes.” The report is called “Slow Burn – The Need to Transform the Medtech Model in Europe” Their website also features an Economist Report which shows how 5 European member states have already taken measures in order to keep their healthcare systems sustainable for the future.

More information on the MedTech Industry's 5-Year Strategy is available at www.reforminghealthcare.eu

References: http://www.medtecheurope.org/key-themes/industry-strategy

Medical Device Providers Adopting Sustainable Actions

As outsourcing seems to be a strategic measure that is getting more and more common worldwide, including when it comes to the medical device industry, suppliers are becoming an extension to the brand. So anything that the partner does, reflect on the company’s image and on the sales of end product. Hence, medical device manufacturers are asking suppliers to make their operations more sustainable.

There are several alternatives to become more socially responsible. Since adopting measures to take care of the environment such as plants, animals, air or water; to try making the office a better place to work. Unlike what one might think, that can help a company financially.  Some recycling or waste reduction projects  might decrease unnecessary expenses.

Earth Planet and the next generations appreciate these measures companies are adopting (or trying to)  today. Even if it is a marketing strategy or finance one, becoming socially responsible is aligned with society’s expectations.

References:http://www.mddionline.com/article/suppliers-make-sustainability-efforts

Innovation in the Medical Device Sector

The concept of Innovation is always linked to the idea of creativity, novelty, technology. Nevertheless, it doesn’t restrict itself to gigantic transformations in expensive technologies. Innovation is usually seen when the problem is identified and better or new methods are created to solve it or to improve a daily process.

In the medical device industry, this preconception is frequently made. Even in this sector, innovation does not necessarily involve large investments but, most importantly, it involves the comprehension of the patient’s needs and its fulfillment to save his life or to improve his quality of life.

Unlike the consumer space where there are no barriers to different ideas, the medical device sector deals with regulatory systems, which dictate the requirements that the industry must meet. Obviously, the regulatory system is concerned about setting high standards for the safety of the patient, but sometimes it can inhibit innovative ideas.

References: http://www.mddionline.com/article/medtech-innovation-doesnt-have-be-expensive