Government unveils MedTech strategy

In May 2021, a new Medical Technologies Directorate was announced. Sitting within the Department of Health and Social Care, its creation was intended to support supply, regulation, innovation and value within the UK’s HealthTech sector. The Directorate’s long-awaited medical technology (MedTech) strategy has now been published with the aim of improving access to safe, effective and innovative medical equipment, such as the latest generation of home dialysis machines, which enable patients to manage their own health at home and in their day-to-day lives.

Building on learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid development of medical technologies during that time, such as lateral flow tests and ventilators, the strategy aims to ensure “the right product is available, at the right price, and in the right place”. The focus is on delivering value for money, using the latest data on the effectiveness of new technology to ensure prices are reasonable for the health system. The Government strategy is also aiming to help build resilient supply chains and ensure the UK is prepared for future pandemics.

Using MedTech effectively will be critical in reducing waiting lists for treatment, in the wake of the pandemic, as it has the potential to speed up diagnosis and deliver new and improved ways to treat and support patients. For example, COVID-19 demonstrated the importance of fast and accurate diagnostic testing and genome sequencing to process and share results, and home lateral flow testing showed the potential for increased use of diagnostics outside of formal clinical settings, to support earlier diagnosis and free up staff time.