The medical technology industry in Australia is crucial for the economy, but there is a need to address challenges in attracting talent and promoting innovation in order to support its growth and potential, according to an extensive report on medical technology in Australia.
In June 2023 the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) launched The Value of MedTech Report – a major study quantifying the difference the MedTech industry makes to the lives of Australian patients, the healthcare system and the Australian economy.
The report was prepared using analysis by the Nous Group for the Medical Technology Association of Australia with support from MTPConnect and Pathology Technology Australia.
As part of MTAA’s annual MedTech on the Hill initiative, the report was formally launched in June 2023 by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, in Parliament House during an event attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, and key health sector stakeholders.
The Report brings to light the significant value and contribution of MedTech in Australia, particularly to Australia’s healthcare system, industry development, employment and the wider economy.
Australian Health Journal spoke with MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess and MTAA Policy Manager, Pravin Siriwardena about the report and its key findings.
About MTAA
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) is the national association representing companies in the medical technology industry. MTAA aims to ensure the benefits of modern, innovative and reliable medical technology are delivered effectively to provide better health outcomes to the Australian community.
MTAA represents manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of disease and disability. The range of medical technology is diverse with products ranging from familiar items such as syringes and wound dressings, through to high-technology implanted devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, hip and other orthopaedic implants. Products also include hospital and diagnostic imaging equipment such as ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging machines.
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Clinical pain neuroscientist talks about how the brain processes pain information
Persistent pain affects one in five Australians and costs the nation an estimated $73 billion per year in health system costs, lost productivity and other financial costs.
Persistent pain also has debilitating personal costs – negatively impacting quality of life and the ability to engage in meaningful work and life activities.
Despite the enormity of this problem, very few effective treatments exist with most showing only small to moderate improvements. New treatments are desperately needed. The group believes the best way to create impactful change is to work with people with lived experience of persistent pain to devise solutions with them, not for them.
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Patient family develops app for improved adherence and clinical outcomes
Darron Goralsky, a physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience, is the Clinical Director and Founder of Melbourne TMJ and Facial Pain Centre. He leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to treating jaw pain, facial pain, and headaches. Goralsky has observed a rise in musculoskeletal issues among younger populations, largely due to increased screen time and poor posture, trends that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emphasising technology integration and patient responsibility, he believes digital health solutions play a crucial role in improving adherence and outcomes for both patients and caregivers.
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Launch of Australian Centre for Value-Based Health Care
The movement to value based healthcare across the industry in Australia, gained pace last month, with the Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association launch of the Australian Centre for Value-Based Health Care.
