On the publication of the Government’s One Year On MedTech Strategy on 9th April, Dame Barbara Hakin, chair of the Health Tech Alliance comments: “We are pleased that the government has released its ‘MedTech Strategy: One Year On’ review and the medical technology innovation classification framework. The One Year On document discusses the progress over the past 12 months, replacing the Implementation Plan. It also supports the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) commitment to moving towards establishing a more streamlined innovative pathway, something that we as an alliance strongly support.
“Whilst the document suggests progress has been made this year, we welcome the recognition of areas for attention and the commitments to further action. For example, the commitment to launch a value-based procurement methodology to provide central guidance will be a greatly welcomed initiative when it comes.
“We also look forward to the government’s commitment to respond in a timely way to the Part IX Drug Tariff consultation and reassure the HealthTech industry that high value, long-established devices remain listed for the benefit of NHS patients.
“It is positive to see the progress that has been made in the last year through schemes such as the Innovative Devices Access Pathway pilot launched in September 2023, the SME action plan launched in February 2023, and funding schemes such as the Health Technology Adoption and Acceleration Fund launched in October last year.
“Whilst there is further progress to be made, we are excited that there are innovative frameworks being put in place for MedTech companies in procurement and adoption processes and in funding.
“We also look forward to engaging with the DHSC to ensure the commitments of the MedTech Strategy are honoured.”
Find the MedTech Strategy: One Year On in full here.