Health Minister unveils 15-year technology plan
A 15-year programme to bring cutting edge medical technology to Irish patients was unveiled today by Minister for Health Mary Harney.
The ’Medical Technologies Vision to 2020’ aims to make Ireland a global centre for innovation in medical technology and follows 12 months of consultation between the Government, industry, medics, academics and patient groups.
The project is backed by IBEC’s Irish Medical Devices Association and the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.
Ms Harney also unveiled details of a Medical Technologies Council which will implement the 15-year plan.
The Government hopes the scheme will transform the medical technology sector and improve patient care both in Ireland and the rest of the world.
There are currently 140 medical device companies in Ireland, directly employing almost 25,000 people or 11% of the manufacturing workforce.
Exports of Irish manufactured medical technologies amount to six billion euro each year, representing 7% of Ireland’s exports.
The world medical devices market is worth 180 billion euro annually and is growing at a rate of 6% per annum, with even higher growth in some areas.
“New technology can greatly assist to diagnose and treat illnesses,” said Michael Loftus, MTC interim president.
“This will increasingly impact on the quality of care that can be delivered to patients and the location in which the care is delivered.”
A vibrant medical technologies sector has developed in Ireland because of low corporation tax rates, the English speaking population and a highly qualified workforce, Mr Loftus added.
“The fact that we are a relatively small nation with huge capabilities within industry, academia and our medical community give us a unique opportunity to collaborate together,” he concluded.
