Berlin/Germany. The German Medical Technology Association (BVMed) demands a stronger involvement of the industry in steering and decision processes with regard to the new report by the Committee of Experts (Sachverständigenrat). BVMed welcomed the experts' announcement to suggest new coordination instruments in health care. "We are prepared to actively cooperate, help and support in a spirit of partnership. All parties involved in the health care system should cooperate more strongly with the industry's experts", says BVMed Director General Joachim M. Schmitt in Berlin.

Involving the manufacturers of innovative therapies and devices in these processes, e. g. by naming case-related medical experts for health technology assessment procedures, can help eliminate inadequate and inefficient medical treatment. Against this background, innovative medical technologies provide not only for an improved patient care but can also bring about economic efficiency.

In public debate and also in the new expert report, it is frequently assumed that new innovative technologies and treatments automatically mean increased costs. BVMed does not agree with that. It is a one-sided and in many cases incorrect point of view.  

BVMed Director General Joachim M. Schmitt: "First of all, innovative medical technologies have contributed to an increase in the life expectation and quality of life for millions of patients in Germany. In addition, advances in medical technology can also actually introduce a new economy into healthcare, with improved quality of care and lower expenditure. Many innovations, minimally invasive surgery for instance, lead to shorter stays in hospital and a more economical and, at the same time, improved quality of patient care.  

Thanks to progress in medical technology, we can diagnose diseases at any earlier stage when they are easier and quicker to treat.  Costs related to the consequences of disease can thereby be avoided.  We can provide more effective and less invasive methods of treatment and surgical techniques with shorter recovery times, which enable the patient to resume work much sooner than hitherto.  We need to look at the costs of illness as a whole.  When we do this, then the savings potential through the use of innovative medical technologies also comes to the fore."

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