EDMA and Eucomed to establish European industry federation
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Brussels, 17 January 2012 – EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, and Eucomed, the European medical technology industry association, are pleased to announce that their respective members have decided to join forces under the umbrella of a European industry federation.
Uniting the experience and expertise of the two Brussels based industry associations (representing the In Vitro Diagnostics and the medical technology industry), this move aims to enhance the recognition of their joint membership at European level. Speaking with one voice, the federation will be uniquely positioned to address common issues of interest and provide stakeholders with a comprehensive view on the latest technological advances and value-based innovations.
The creation of a European industry federation builds on the longstanding relationship between the two associations and aims to form the basis for even greater cooperation in the future, so as to ensure the place of IVDs and medical technology at the forefront of twenty-first century healthcare and healthcare policy.
To accomplish this goal, the two associations are seeking to employ a joint Chief Executive to head the federation and drive forward future activities by defining a new organisational strategy. The associations will remain organised as two separate and distinct legal entities. The industry federation’s membership is open to other European associations operating in the medical industry.
After the departure of EDMA Director General Philippe Jacon in October 2011, EDMA is currently being led by Dr. Volker Oeding ad interim. Luciano Cattani is Chief Executive ad interim of Eucomed since January 17, taking over the role from John Wilkinson.
“We have come together today to further strengthen the ties between our associations and to enhance the effectiveness of the healthcare industry by providing our joint contribution to public health and research policies in Europe,” EDMA President Dr. Jürgen Schulze explained. He further pointed out that “this relationship will take our coordination, collaboration and alignment of information and policies on mutually important issues to a new level.”
As priority issues for the federation, the two associations have identified, inter alia, the need to further their close cooperation with regulators and policy makers on the upcoming revision of the legal framework for medical devices, which needs to be adapted to the specifics of new and emerging technologies.
“Establishing a European industry federation makes perfect sense not only to our members but also to the outside world. Being able to speak with one industry voice increases the clarity for our stakeholders and enables the federation to more effectively drive value-based innovation in the industry, which in turn will lead to more sustainable healthcare systems” says Eucomed Chairman Guy Lebeau.
About EDMA
EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, represents national associations and major companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture or distribution of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) tests in Europe. Through its membership, EDMA represents in total more than 500 companies across 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. For more information visit www.edma-ivd.eu.
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 and www.reforminghealthcare.eu.
More information
EDMA
Miriam Gargesi, Public Affairs & Communications Director
T: +32 (0)2 777 02 79
M: +32 (0)473 504352
Eucomed
Ingmar de Gooijer, Director Communications
E: ingmar.degooijer@eucomed.org
T: +32 (0)2 775 92 24
M: +32 (0)492 97 14 70