Monday 16 December 2024:
Further bolstering Australia’s vision to see more local SME health technology procured domestically, Pathology Technology Australia (PTA), the Association of Healthcare Supply and Procurement Officers (AHSPO) and the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) have joined the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA).
Led by BioMelbourne Network, this new and collaborative initiative brings together leading expertise from peak industry bodies and companies to create a unified industry voice, and advocate on behalf of Victorian SME medtech manufacturers across the key issues impacting the sector. The Alliance has been seed-funded by the State Government of Victoria; the pilot programme aims to support and empower the national agenda.
Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network and Alliance lead, noted, “With industry and health two sides to the same coin, it’s critical to the Alliance’s success to have both perspectives in the room to drive meaningful outcomes.”
“Combining PTA’s deep knowledge of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), MTAA’s expertise traversing medtech companies and procurement, and AHSPO’s expertise in healthcare supply chain and procurement, in addition to the experience held within MTPConnect, AMTIL, AusBiotech, and Victoria’s Industry Capability Network, unites the pipeline. It adds even greater strength to our vigorous advocacy for systemic improvements in procurement pathways and market access for locally made medtech products.”
Building a connected healthcare ecosystem
The partnership focuses on addressing critical challenges and creating new opportunities for Australian medtech manufacturers, including:
- Improving procurement pathways by identifying effective mechanisms that prioritise locally made medtech and deliver win-win opportunities.
- Ensuring Australian healthcare systems are equipped with world-class solutions.
- Unified advocacy: Amplifying our voice in driving policy changes to support local innovation and sovereign capabilities.
- Collaborative growth: Strengthening ties between manufacturers, diagnostic providers, and healthcare stakeholders.
Dean Whiting, CEO of Pathology Technology Australia, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“Joining AMMA allows us to collaborate across the medtech ecosystem and ensure that diagnostics and pathology remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Australia. We cannot hope to be self-sufficient in all areas of pathology technology, but we can be a centre of excellence in the fast grown Aisa/Pacific market for a few key technologies.”
Aldo Santo, President of AHSPO, expressed his excitement about the partnership:
“As a national organisation dedicated to healthcare supply and procurement, we are delighted to collaborate with AMMA. This partnership represents an important step toward fostering stronger, more connected pathways for locally manufactured medtech. By tackling procurement challenges directly, we aim to ensure that Australian healthcare providers and patients fully benefit from the outstanding innovations being developed right here in our country.”
Ian Burgess, CEO of the Medical Technology Association of Australia, added:
“MTAA is proud to join AMMA in this collaborative effort to strengthen Australia’s medtech industry. By uniting our resources and expertise, we can advocate more effectively for policies that support local manufacturing, improve procurement processes and ensure that Australian patients have access to the latest medical technologies.”
The Alliance invites established Victorian medtech companies that are currently manufacturing medtech products and selling locally or globally, and contract manufacturing and development companies to participate. Express your interest here.
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Media enquiries: Claudia Loeber-Raab | Communications Manager | BioMelbourne Network
cloeber-raab@biomelbourne.org | Mob: 0425 785 143
Strengthening sovereign capability
The expanded Alliance brings a comprehensive perspective on healthcare procurement. Australia is home to world-class medtech innovators and manufacturers. Increasing awareness of these companies and growing local content in health, will support Australian health services to continue to deliver world-leading care and strengthen our country’s sovereign capabilities.
