MTAA Supports Call for Future of Private Health Summit
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) today supported calls from AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, for a national summit on the future of the private healthcare sector.
“Private healthcare is a vital pillar of Australia’s health system, providing choice and access for patients and taking the pressure off the public hospital system,” MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess, said today.
“The MTAA shares the AMA’s concern about the sustainability of the current system given the ageing of our population and the drift away from private healthcare by young people.
“We agree urgent action is required to ensure future generations can benefit from Australia’s balanced approach to health care.
“Since 2017, MTAA has been working to ensure spending on medical technology (MedTech) in the private system delivers the best possible value to consumers.
“Our agreement with government is on track to deliver over $1 billion in savings and we are currently working with doctors, hospitals and consumers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Prostheses List.
“This guarantees that doctors can choose the best possible device for their patients without the risk of unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
“However, the Prostheses List represents only around 10% of all private health insurance payments, so we agree a broader approach to reform is needed.
“We support the AMA’s call for a Summit and stress the importance of involving consumers and community representatives so the needed reforms can be guided by their needs and priorities.
“The MTAA also supports the active involvement of manufacturers, experts and other medical technology stakeholders in this process.
“Technology and innovation will drive the next generation of healthcare and we need to work together on changes which provide all Australians with access to the latest evidence-based, innovative technologies.
“We look forward to working with the AMA and other health stakeholders on the proposed Summit to deliver robust and sustainable private healthcare sector for the future,” Ian Burgess said.
