BVMed intern

2008-10: Why join BVMed? The German Medical Technology Association and its impact

EUCOMED Association Day, Brussels - October 15, 2008; Statement by Joachim M. Schmitt, Director General & Member of the Board of BVMed - German Medical Technology Association

Germany is the third biggest market for medical technologies in the world. German expenditures on medical devices and technologies amount to more than 22 billion Euros every year. With this volume, Germany is by far the largest market in Europe. It is about twice as large as the French and three times as large as the British or Italian market.

However, the German healthcare market and market for advanced medical technologies is facing considerable challenges. This is due to the strained financial situation of the Statutory Health Insurance funds (SHI). Thus, German healthcare is facing the challenge of determining which medical services will be covered by the SHI system in the future.
The German healthcare system is changing rapidly. Reimbursement of advanced medical technologies in Germany has become a crucial issue for international companies.

To stay on track with your medtech business in Germany, you need BVMed.

BVMed represents about 220 industry and trade companies. 20 of the largest medical device manufacturers worldwide in the consumer goods sector are, among others, organized in the association. Its scope comprises the entire sector of medical dressings, technical aids such as ostomy and incontinence products or bandages, plastic disposable items such as syringes, catheters and cannulae as well as the implants sector of intraocular lenses, hip, knee, shoulder and spinal implants, heart valves and defibrillators and even artificial hearts. Homecare services and biotechnology procedures, such as tissue engineering, are further fields of activity.

As a trade association, BVMed promotes and represents the combined interests of the medical technology industry and trade companies. In various sectoral interest groups, focus groups, and working groups, the association offers its members a platform for a constructive dialog and exchange of views. BVMed represents the concerns of its member companies to policy makers and the public in general. This is achieved not only by information and public relations work, but also by participation in the development of laws, guidelines and standards.

Our core messages

:: Medical technologies are indispensable for health and quality of live.
:: Medical technologies are an investment in the health and productivity of people.
:: Therefore, innovative medical technologies must be made available to all patients who require them without delay.

BVMed's services can be subdivided into four sectors:

1. Organization

In more than 50 focus groups, sectoral interest groups and working groups, BVMed offers its members a platform for constructive dialog and exchange of views, thus leading to a unified position on matters of common interest.

2. Consultancy

BVMed's experts are ready to offer accurate advice to members on such diverse topics as the Medical Devices Act, social legislation, the DRG law, the Act on Advertising in the Healthcare System, standardization projects, or ordinances.

3. Information

BVMed's multi-faceted information service is evident in both its internal and external communications. Examples of BVMed's communication efforts include:

Internal communication: General circular letters to all members, special circular letters for the individual committees, weekly newsletter, weekly chart pool, monthly report, extranet for member companies, events for members.

External communication: Website www.bvmed.de, brochures, information cards, special BVMed conferences, MedInform conferences, training seminars (Medical device consultants, seminars on Statutory Health Insurance), press releases and conferences, press seminars, TV Service Medical Technology

4. Representation

BVMed represents the interests of the medical technology sector towards decision makers. Important aspects are among others: Political marketing and individual policy talks, maintenance and support of networks, parliamentary evenings, background talks, participation in parliamentary hearings, representation in committees, boards of trustees, commissions, etc.

The existing dialog with the political decision makers has been further intensified in 2008. By means of good and regular contacts to the German Bundestag, the Federal Chancellors Office, ministries, state representatives and experts the BVMed is able to contribute its expertise and represent the interests of the industry in the current legislative process. The issues relevant to BVMed and its member companies are regularly debated in political discussion groups. While the health sector is most important, we also pursue other fields such as research and economic policy.

Supportive measures such as statements, press conferences and background talks, information campaigns and newsletter services contribute to a deeper understanding of the medical technology sector. BVMed is closely monitoring the current legislative projects and provides its members various new services.

Do you need more information on the German medtech market in English language?

With “MedInsight”, BVMed’s information and seminar service MedInform offers an extensive monthly background report. MedInsight gives facts, news, issues monitoring, opinions, ratings, documents and links on the what, when and why of the German healthcare market and its impact on advanced medical technologies.

You can order a free trial copy of Med-Insight at: www.medinsight.de.


More information on BVMed at: www.bvmed.de.


Contact:

BVMed -German Medical Technology Association
Reinhardtstr. 29 b, D -10117 Berlin
Internet: http://www.bvmed.de 

 


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