Important steps taken to master new challenges
Important decisions regarding the association’s future activities were taken at yesterday’s Swiss Medtech General Meeting. Important motions submitted by the Board regarding development of the association and implementation of planned strategies were adopted. The central focus is (and remains) the association’s commitment to open markets, reduction of trade restrictions, and diversification in the ease and procurement of medical devices. Swiss Medtech will now also devote itself to key topics such as sustainability and the reimbursement of digital health applications. The association is also evolving in terms of its own organisation and structure. Following the establishment of Swiss Medtech Ticino last year – which gave the association a foothold in Italian-speaking Switzerland – the next step is to strengthen the national association’s activities in French-speaking Switzerland. «I am extremely pleased with the tremendous support we have received from our members,» says Dr Beat Vonlanthen, President of Swiss Medtech. «It is a clear sign that our work to date is valued and that members trust Swiss Medtech to effectively represent industry interests».
New key issue: Sustainability ever more relevant for market access
From the extraction of raw materials, through to production, distribution, and recycling; the concept of sustainability is sweeping the whole sector. It is not just a matter of protecting the environment. Medtech companies must position themselves strategically now – to ensure they stay in business in the future. The market itself is emerging as a driving force: investors and customers increasingly expect transparency in matters relating to climate change. Large companies, in particular, are setting themselves net-zero targets across the entire value chain. The sooner small and medium-sized enterprises address the issue (prior to regulations forcing them to do so), the greater their chance of remaining part of the supply chain. «Sustainability is becoming a highly relevant market access criterion,» says Swiss Medtech Director Peter Biedermann. «The association has created a new expert position in order to support to our members in these complicated matters».
Two new faces on the Board of Directors
All previous Board members: Gilbert Achermann (Straumann Holding AG), Roman Iselin (Johnson & Johnson), Dr Raphael Laubscher (Laubscher Präzision AG), Simon Michel (Ypsomed AG),
Harald Schatzl (Mediwar AG) and Jürgen Sigg (Sigvaris AG) were re-elected, and Dr Beat Vonlanthen was confirmed as President and Beat Egli (Zimmer Biomet) as Vice President. Newly elected to the Board are Nicoletta Casanova (CEO FEMTOprint SA) and Council of States member Damian Müller. As a member of the Advisory Board of Swiss Medtech Ticino, Nicoletta Casanova will represent Italian-speaking Switzerland’s on the Board. Current president Dr Beat Vonlanthen introduced Council of States member Damian Müller to the general meeting as his designated successor, effective starting from the General Meeting in 2024.
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.