Source: PHARMAC
The Medical Technology Association of New Zealand (MTANZ) is the leading industry body representing medical technology manufacturers, importers and distributors of medical devices in New Zealand. HealthTech Week is New Zealand’s national conference for health technology industry and research.
“It was fantastic to have such a strong presence at HealthTech week this year,” says Pharmac’s Director Medical Devices, Catherine Epps.
Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Health – Pharmac, David Seymour, gave the opening address, followed shortly afterwards by Pharmac’s Board Chair Paula Bennett, who spoke about her work as Board chair of Pharmac and vision for the organisation
Catherine Epps then provided an update on the progress of Pharmac’s medical devices programme.
“It was great to be able to share the significant progress that we’ve made on the comprehensive list of medical devices,” she says.
New Zealand’s first ever nationwide list of medical devices, effective from 1 July, will support better patient care and long-term investments in medical devices.
This list represents medical devices that are used in hospitals or provided to people to use at home.
“Having a comprehensive list of what is used will support the health system to make more strategic, long-term investments in medical devices,” Epps says.
HealthTech week provided a great opportunity for Pharmac staff to meet with suppliers, hear their questions, and share more about our work.
“It’s essential that Pharmac’s medical devices programme is informed by those who work with medical devices every day – whether that’s clinicians, suppliers, consumers, advocates, or other industry partners,” says Epps.
“We couldn’t have success in this programme without working together with many others,” she says.
