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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Ruth Zionzee – Distinguished Life Fellow
ACN Ruth Zionzee – Distinguished Life Fellow
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Using human skin hair follicles to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Professor Michael Valenzuela is a science opinion leader, innovator and creative thinker with a career-long commitment to the prevention and treatment of dementia.
Following that he completed graduate medicine and medical training at the Prince of Wales Hospital. In 2012, he established the Regenerative Neuroscience Group at the University of Sydney, and in 2017 became the university’s first Professor of Regenerative Medicine.
Professor Valenzuela’s group discovered a new cell type with potential for regenerative medicine, a rare neural precursor cell found deep within the human hair follicle. He is the main inventor on several related patents and is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Skin2Neuron – a biotech company developing the first neurorestorative cell therapy for Alzheimer’s disease based on this work.
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Clinical Trials in Australia
Shanny Dyer, CEO ARCS Australia talks about a recent summit where the CRO (Contract Research Organization) community was asked on the current state of clinical trials in Australia.
