MedTech Slovenia: building the future together

  • Posted on 17.03.2021

MedTech Slovenia: building the future together

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Peter Bratusek

President, MedTech Slovenija

Mojca Šimnic Šolinc

Mojca Šimnic Šolinc

President, MedTech Slovenija

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The next chapter in the story of Slovenia’s medical technology industry has begun – and it is being co-written by leaders from the in-vitro diagnostics and medical devices sectors.

SIEDMA and SLO-MED have formally merged to become MedTech Slovenia. Together, we are combining our expertise to speak for our diverse industry with one voice. In choosing our new name, MedTech Slovenia benefits from international recognition, even if we have work to do locally to build our brand.

Established in 2012 and 2013, respectively, the two ‘ancestors’ of MedTech Slovenia represented manufacturers and distributors of IVDs and devices. Over time, we found common cause in a range of areas from access to innovation and public procurement to EU medical technology legislation and the MedTech Code.

As both associations pursued a similar vision, a full merger felt like a natural step. We are stronger together.

Medtech in Slovenia

Slovenia’s medical technology sector plays an important role in bringing advanced solutions to patients and healthcare providers. Local suppliers, working with international companies, are a key component of our market.

Slovenia also has its share of indigenous companies and start-ups, some of whom build on our country’s traditional strength in the textile, metal processing and electronics sector. That is why you will find producers of sanitary material and consumables (needles and catheters etc.), alongside innovative small companies working on software and electronic measuring instruments.

The public sector accounts for almost 90% of the Slovenian market. While national procurement legislation is in sync with EU procurement directives, the challenge for the future is to shift away from price-based criteria in purchasing decisions. By taking a value-based approach, procurement can become an important lever for improving the quality of care while supporting the financial sustainability of healthcare systems.

A shared future

The birth of MedTech Slovenia comes at a crucial moment for European healthcare. As we work with others to control the pandemic – with diagnostics, e-health and other medtech solutions in the spotlight – we are also looking beyond the crisis.

Our experts are focused on the big issues facing our industry. We operate under four pillars: public procurement; legislation and regulations; relations with regulators and funding bodies; the Code of Ethics. Working groups on stoma, diabetes, wound care, incontinence, compliance, wheelchairs, orthotics and prosthetics – amongst others – are helping to bring together the expertise required to engage with decision-makers.

As we build our reputation and develop dialogue with regulators and payers, we will continue to support our members in understanding the Code of Ethics, implementing the EU Medical Devices Regulation and IVD Regulation, and hosting events on the issues that matter to our sector.

We remain excited about the future. Filled with energy, ideas and good will, our team is committed to shaping the future of medtech in Slovenia – delivering value to patients and the health system.

 

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