The Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA) has announced the inclusion of three influential organizations—Pathology Technology Australia (PTA), the Association of Healthcare Supply and Procurement Officers (AHSPO), and the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA)—as part of its steering group. These additions mark a significant step in the Alliance’s mission to support Victorian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the medical technology manufacturing sector. Led by the BioMelbourne Network, the AMMA serves as a collaborative platform uniting key industry leaders and peak bodies. The Alliance aims to champion the interests of local medtech manufacturers and align efforts to address challenges facing the sector. This initiative, funded as a pilot program by the Victorian Government, aspires to drive progress on the broader national medtech agenda, promoting innovation and systemic improvements in healthcare delivery.
Strengthening collaboration between the industry and healthcare
Karen Parr, chief executive officer of BioMelbourne The network and head of the alliance highlighted the critical importance of fostering collaboration between healthcare and industry stakeholders. According to Parr, the success of the Alliance hinges on bridging these two interconnected sectors to achieve meaningful outcomes for the industry and patients alike. “Healthcare and industry are inseparable in advancing medtech innovation. Ensuring both perspectives are represented in decision-making processes is essential for creating impactful solutions,” Parr stated.
Parr also emphasized how the specialized expertise of the new members complements existing partnerships within the Alliance. PTA’s leadership in in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), MTAA’s extensive knowledge of medical technologies, and AHSPO’s understanding of healthcare supply chains add new dimensions to the Alliance’s advocacy efforts. These organizations join forces with MTPConnect, AMTIL, AusBiotech, and the Industry Capability Network to present a united front for the sector.
Driving Key Objectives for Medtech Growth
The Alliance has identified several key objectives. The Alliance aims to foster the growth and sustainability of the Australian medtech industry. Some of these are making it easier to buy medical technologies made in Australia, pushing for policy changes that will encourage local innovation, and encouraging manufacturers, diagnostic providers, and healthcare stakeholders to work together more.
Dean Whiting, CEO of Pathology Technology Australia, highlighted the critical role of diagnostics in shaping the future of healthcare innovation. “By joining the Alliance, we can collaborate across the medtech ecosystem to ensure diagnostics and pathology remain central to healthcare advancements in Australia,” Whiting said. Echoing similar sentiments, Aldo Santo, President of the Association of Healthcare Supply and Procurement Officers, noted that the Alliance is well-positioned to address pressing procurement challenges. He emphasized the partnership’s potential to deliver practical benefits to healthcare providers and patients by streamlining supply chains and enhancing access to Australian-made solutions.
Ian Burgess, CEO of the Medical Technology Association of Australia, expressed optimism about the Alliance’s ability to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and improve patient access to advanced medical technologies. Burgess underscored the importance of unified efforts in driving the sector forward and delivering better outcomes for Australian healthcare.
Engaging the Local Medtech Community
The Alliance is extending an invitation to Victorian medical technology companies involved in manufacturing and development, both for domestic and international markets, to join this initiative. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, the Alliance seeks to amplify the voice of the medtech sector and ensure it remains competitive on a global scale.
As the Alliance continues to expand its reach and influence, the inclusion of new steering group members signals a robust commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities within the medtech industry. Through its collaborative approach, the AMMA aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that fosters innovation, supports local manufacturers, and ultimately improves healthcare outcomes for Australian patients.
With a comprehensive agenda and the support of the Victorian government, The government and the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance are in a position to significantly influence the industry’s future. By harnessing the collective expertise and insights of its members, the Alliance seeks to establish Victoria as a leading hub for medtech innovation and manufacturing.
