Posted by Michael Wonder on 28 Sep 2016
What is the Medical Technology Association and how does it wield its power?
27 September 2016 - The Medical Technology Association of Australia is quietly influential, says The Conversation.
If your health practitioner has used a syringe, tongue depressor (to look at your throat), pacemaker, stethoscope, X-ray or MRI scan, blood test, dental filling or joint implant to treat you, you’ve encountered a product from the medical technology industry.
That industry is diverse, ranging from high-tech patent-rich global corporations to small businesses that operate only in Australia. It is claimed to employ more than 19,000 people in Australia and have a turnover of around A$12 billion in 2012/13. Operating margins have been around 25%.
Many of the businesses are represented by the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). This industry body is for manufacturers of products regulated by the Commonwealth government. Use of those products is typically funded wholly or in part by the taxpayer. There are strict requirements around their certification, import and sale.
MTAA members include Johnson & Johnson Medical, 3M Healthcare and Medtronic Australasia.
