Ophthalmologist addresses European Parliament

Professor Gerd U. Auffarth petitions the European Parliament for the introduction of co- pay schemes for cataract patients in the EU

Modern medical device technology is necessary to maintain the health and the quality of life of our patients. It is also a fundamental pillar of our healthcare system and a major factor in Europe’s science-based economy.

The value of medical devices

The medical device industry is extremely innovative with approximately €3.7 billion invested in research and development to release almost 500,000 new products each year. The current lifespan of a medical device averages 18 months before it is substituted by a new version or a completely new device. This continuous progress comes at a reasonable price; only 7% of all healthcare budgets are allotted to medical supplies. Therefore, medical device technology is not only a major contributor to the maintenance and restoration of individual health and quality of life but it is also one of the most cost-effective sectors in modern healthcare.

In the complex environment of ever more strictly regulated healthcare systems, the industry faces a fundamental challenge: to provide the doctor as well as the patient access to safe, reliable and innovative products that are highly cost-effective. But this access is often restricted, at least in Europe.

An international event, MedTech Forum 2008, which took place in Brussels, Belgium, from 13-16 October, gave scientists, physicians, spokespersons of the medical device industry and patients a rare opportunity to address the European Parliament. The aim was to demonstrate and emphasize the benefits of modern medical equipment in lively discussions with the parliamentarians during an academic session focusing on “Medical Device Technology: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”.