Wake-up call from the medtech associations AUSTROMED, BVMed and Swiss Medtech

Closer cooperation agreed

Bern, 1 December 2023 – The three German-speaking medical technology industry associations AUSTROMED from Austria, BVMed from Germany, and Swiss Medtech from Switzerland believe that patient and supply safety is at risk. They aim to work even more closely together in the future – coordinating closely on political issues and offering members a wide range of collective services. A special Collaboration Agreement was signed by the associations at a joint board meeting in Berlin.

«The DACH region is among the medical technology sector’s global market leaders. Many German, Austrian, and Swiss medtech companies enjoy exceptional reputations worldwide and are pioneers in their specialised fields. We therefore have a common interest to promote and strengthen the industry within the DACH region and wish to cooperate more closely to achieve our goals,» declared the three association presidents Gerald Gschlössl (AUSTROMED), Dr Meinrad Lugan (BVMed) and Dr Beat Vonlanthen (Swiss Medtech). The common objectives include maintaining high-quality care for patients, creating and preserving an innovation-friendly legal framework for the medtech industry, strengthening the DACH business region, positioning medical device companies as attractive employers for skilled workers, and supporting member companies with strategies to promote sustainability.

The three association representatives Mag. Philipp Lindinger (AUSTROMED), Dr Marc-Pierre Möll (BVMed), and Dr. Daniel Delfosse (Swiss Medtech) primarily believe the advantages of closer cooperation lie in the increased exchange of specialist knowledge, advocacy of political interests, development of joint initiatives, and the promotion of best practices. «Together, we can offer our members enhanced services as well as strengthen our political initiatives. Our aim is to create favourable framework conditions for the medtech industry and to actively shape political decision-making processes.»

Swiss Medtech represents more than 750 members in its role as industry association for Swiss medical technology. With 67,500 employees and a contribution of 11.5% to the positive trade balance, medical technology is an economically significant sector in Switzerland. Swiss Medtech advocates for conditions that enable the medtech industry to perform at peak capacity and provide first-class medical care.

swiss-medtech.ch