French Medtech Industry Study Shows Marked Decline in Growth Since 2007
June 23, 2010 – 9:45 amThe medical technology sector in France registered virtually no growth in 2009, a new low for an industry that has seen its growth rate plummet from 5.43% in the period between 2006 and 2007 to 1.41% between 2007 and 2008. The statistics were announced this week in a press release issued by SNITEM, the French medical technology association, leading up to a general meeting of the association on 23 June. Unlike for les Bleus, however, there is some good news on the horizon: the first few months of 2010 suggest a modest recovery for at least some parts of the device sector, according to SNITEM.
SNITEM’s 236 member companies employ approximately 25,000 people and generated €7.74 billion in 2009, according to the association. In the press release, SNITEM notes the beneficial role that a strong and confident medical device industry brings to the nation’s industrial tapestry, and it encourages public and regulatory authorities to lift obstacles that hinder innovation. In particular, the following points are stressed:
- Most innovation comes from small to medium size companies. Don’t discourage them from taking initiatives.
- Create a mechanism that will accelerate the introduction of new technologies and provide realistic reimbursement levels.
- Recognise the far-reaching impact medical devices have on the overall healthcare system. Products such as defibrillators and prosthetics are not merely devices but define specific medical procedures, for example, and telemedicine has the potential to revolutionise the very concept of healthcare.
The complete press release is currently available only in French on the SNITEM website.
Norbert Sparrow
