UK medtech sector calls for healthcare election manifesto
Britain’s medtech industry has called for government policies that work domestically to promote strong and vibrant export performance
The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) has launched its manifesto for June’s general election. The trade body represents the medtech industry which directly sustains more than 93,000 jobs in the UK, and supports a further 28,500 jobs in the service and supply sector. The industry is worth some £17 billion and is a world leader in research, development and innovation, providing new technologies to the National Health Service which save and improve lives.
The industry manifesto sets out how the new government can create a favourable domestic landscape that supports a vibrant export performance by the sector. The association says it is committed to making the UK the most welcoming country in the world for the life sciences industry, bringing growth and thousands of high-tech jobs.
The ABHI’s recommendations are:
1. Create favourable terms for international medtech trade and an integrated domestic policy to support investment, competitiveness and export performance;
2. Support for medtech manufacturing and distribution within the UK;
3. Bespoke support for the vibrant medical technology SME community;
4. Enhanced collaboration with the health and care system.
Peter Ellingworth, ABHI’s chief executive, said: “The medtech industry leads the world in innovation and taking brand new products from the drawing board to the patient.
“The UK is uniquely positioned with the world’s most highly regarded universal healthcare system, world leading universities and a strong reputation for excellence in medtech. Alongside the direct economic benefits, better use of medical technology will also lead to better outcomes for patients.
“We are calling on all parties to commit to keeping the UK a world leader through supporting trade, investment and competitiveness, and through supporting our vibrant small and medium enterprises.”