MTAA Welcomes New Frontiers Report
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) wishes to thank Trent Zimmerman MP and Dr Mike Freelander MP and welcomes the tabling of the New Frontier Report from the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport’s Inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia which provides a clear path forward for the adoption of new and innovative devices into the Australian health system.
“As the national association representing companies in the medical technology industry MTAA would like to thank Trent Zimmerman MP and Dr Mike Freelander MP for their leadership in chairing this inquiry. We are encouraged by the bipartisan approach taken by both the government and the opposition to this critical issue for the future of Australia’s health system.” Ian Burgess, MTAA CEO, said today.
“MTAA would also like to thank Bridget Archer MP, Angie Bell MP, Milton Dick MP, Dr Fiona Martin MP, Lucy Wicks MP, and Tony Zappia MP who were key and active members of the Committee. Furthermore, MTAA also extends this thanks to Dr Katie Allen MP and Emma McBride MP who brought their years of experience before becoming members of Parliament to the committee as participating members.
“This important inquiry has heard from many MTAA members through submissions and several hearings, each of which raised ways to improve Australia’s already world class health system.
“Australia has one of the world’s best health systems, however, we need to ensure that our regulatory and funding systems can keep up with the exponential pace of growth in innovation.
“Technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence and digital therapeutics can deliver personalised treatments which dramatically improve health outcomes. However, consumers will miss out if our regulatory and approvals processes cannot cope with these innovations.
“MTAA welcomes the recommendations in the report for a more flexible and streamlined approach to regulation. We also support the call for increased involvement of patients in approvals processes.
“In particular, MTAA welcomes the recommendations to address the lack of coverage of non-implanted devices and to improve coordination between the two major device evaluation committees: the Medical Services Advisory Committee and the Prostheses List Advisory Committee.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the critical importance of medical technology in saving lives. The recommendations in this report focus on strengthening Australia’s regulatory and approvals processes to meet future challenges to our health and well-being.
“We look forward to working with the Government and other stakeholders on the implementation of the recommendations in the New Frontier report,” Mr Burgess said.
