Brussels, 26 June 2012 – Eucomed, the European Medical Technology Industry Association, and EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, have joined forces in a coalition of 9 MEPs, 65 leading trade unions, civil society organisations, health organisations and other industry associations in writing an open letter calling on the European Council for more equal and equitable healthcare for Europe’s citizens. The letter has been published on 22 June 2012 in view of the European Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the European Union to be held on 28 and 29 June in Brussels. 

The open letter calls on European leaders to prioritise the healthcare needs of its citizens and focus on a sustainable and equitable Europe that fosters a healthy population. During severe economic crises, “Public healthcare is among the worst-hit sectors across the EU,” points out Monika Kosińska, Secretary General of European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) who is leading the coalition. Long term negative effects on healthcare budgets far outweigh the short term financial gains stemming from random cost-cutting. The coalition emphasises the need to look at healthy citizens as a benefit rather than a cost who bring added value and can help in achieving economic growth

Additionally, the coalition underlined the need for European leaders to support healthy citizens through innovative medical devices and diagnostics. Both industries are ready to play their part in improving the productivity and efficiency of healthcare systems. In vitro diagnostics have a unique role in health efficiency and economic value as they influence the quality of patient care and downstream resource requirements, averting adverse health outcomes and unnecessary costs. Medical devices, with value-based innovation at their heart, contribute directly to the goal of sustainable, accessible healthcare and healthy ageing. 

About Eucomed

Eucomed is the European medical technology industry association. Its mission is to make modern, innovative and reliable medical technology available to more people. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 22,500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry generates annual sales of €95 billion, invests some €7.5 billion in R&D and employs around 500,000 highly skilled workers. For more information visit www.eucomed.org 

About EDMA

EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, represents national associations and major companies engaged in the research, development, manufacturing or distribution of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests in Europe. The mission of EDMA is to raise awareness of the importance, usefulness and added value that diagnostic information can provide to healthcare. For this purpose, EDMA cooperates with European institutions, patients groups, trade associations, health professionals and academia to support an appropriate regulatory system, to work towards a realistic economic environment for healthcare in Europe and to be an effective voice in globalisation.

More information

For more information about EDMA, please visit www.edma-ivd.eu or contact: 

Shweta Kulkarni

Communications Manager 

E: s.kulkarni@edma-ivd.eu

T: +32 (0)2 777 02 78

M: +32 (0)471 19 24 91 

For more information about Eucomed, please visit www.eucomed.org or contact: 

Thomas Lindemans

Senior Communications Officer

E: thomas.lindemans@eucomed.org

T: +32 (0)2 775 92 30

M: +32 (0)486 40 81 78