The export of medical devices is growing (+3.5%) and the public demand for medical technologies is increasing (+6.7%), demonstrating a greater demand for health by one of the longest-living populations in the world. But the effects of the payback are being felt: investments in research and development fell by 30.1%, although there are 4,641 companies and 117,607 employees present in the area, as well as a long healthcare supply chain made up of excellence both in terms of healthcare facilities and of highly qualified professionals. A paradoxical situation that risks impoverishing the territory, lowering the level of assistance for patients and bringing many companies abroad (in 2028, 7 out of 10 companies plan to turn to foreign markets). These are the themes put at the center of the public assembly “Together for the healthcare of the future”, organized by Confindustria Dispositivi Medici which, under the new presidency of Nicola Barni, brought together institutions, companies, healthcare professionals and patients today in Rome .
INSIGHTS
«We are convinced that only together with all the players in the world of health – declared the President of Confindustria Dispositivi Medici, Nicola Barni – is it possible to redesign the healthcare of the future, starting precisely from the valuable experiences that we have today in Italy, where there are high-level entrepreneurial, healthcare, research and innovation entities.
Today the industry is here to begin a journey of work and collaboration with institutions, patients and doctors, so that these realities are not exceptions, but become the rule throughout the country and become part of cutting-edge healthcare: efficient, fair, sustainable and competitive. This is a great challenge that can be addressed with sector governance that immediately goes beyond payback and starts a new chapter in the national strategy for medical devices. We must support all the companies in Italy that want to carry out research, that generate GDP and that create a qualified workforce. Support is needed regardless of the size of the company and the capital structure to encourage and promote an industrial policy that is as dynamic and attractive as possible.”
«In this context – added Barni – overcoming the payback is an absolute priority to avoid a serious impact on the sector and on the health system. This is even more urgent in light of the ministerial decree which imposes the payment of 0.75% on turnover. We are in favor of supporting innovation and HTA, but the measure – and the requests for contributions from companies – must be placed in a framework that contemplates an organic vision, therefore a structured governance of medical devices. It is therefore necessary to include the overcoming of the payback, the 0.75% levy and industrial policies in general in a single large strategic plan that balances economic sustainability with the development of businesses in the country. All of this can only be addressed together with health players because only by joining forces can we aspire to a future for patients and the Italian economy.”
According to Confindustria Devices Medical, a change in healthcare planning is needed, no longer focused on individual services but by pathology; a reconsideration of spending ceilings based on health needs and technological drives. Finally, it is essential that the method of evaluating new health technologies, known as HTA (Health Technology Assessment), ensures rapid access to all those innovations that have received a positive opinion, so that they can immediately improve care for patients who they needed it. These are the three key points on which the governance proposal for medical devices presented by Barni is based.
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