Summer Update from ABHI: Key Developments and Future Direction
As we enter the summer period, I wanted to share an update to inform you of ABHI’s recent activities.
Group Leadership and Strategic Direction
This year, we have made strong progress against our priorities, and an active member Group network has been integral to this success. In July, we gathered our Group Chairs and Vice Chairs with our Board of Directors for a meeting that allowed colleagues to connect, share updates, and discuss Group priorities, highlighting their incredible expertise and the extensive activities under the ABHI umbrella. Yet despite this breadth of work, recurring topics such as regulation, NHS engagement, sustainability, and addressing health inequalities, run through all our Groups, and we are working to elevate these common themes across the Group network. I have recently begun a series of one-on-one conversations with our Group leadership to better understand their current work and improve our support for their efforts. We look forward to showcasing these activities in the months ahead.
The Drive for Global Sustainability Alignment
Though the need for carbon reduction is unquestioned, it must be balanced with cost and resource implications, and consider the global nature of our industry. International alignment is crucial, as highlighted by our recent MoU with AdvaMed, which emphasises collaboration on sustainability. With many major global HealthTech businesses headquartered in the US, this is a pivotal step. Additionally, through MedTech Europe, where I now serve on the Board of Directors and Chair the UK Working Group, we are working to align sustainability requirements globally. We commend the NHS's ambition, but continue to stress the importance of consistent demands across jurisdictions. If you have not yet done so, please do register for our sustainability conference in September to discuss these issues.
Addressing Health Inequalities, Women's Health & Clinical Connections
Our industry must take a leading role in ensuring that everyone who needs a HealthTech intervention can access it. We know, however, that this is not consistent across society, and as a collective, we must drive meaningful change to address health inequalities. This involves engaging the industry and wider healthcare ecosystem, developing strategic frameworks to support you, and implementing tactical actions that deliver change. More work on this agenda will occur in the latter half of this year, and I would like to extend my thanks to Baxter’s Natasha Rees for her significant contributions as a Board member lead on this important area. Professor Bola Owolabi will address this topic at our UK HealthTech conference on 30th September – 1st October, and in addition, Dr Nina Wilson's recent appointment as ABHI's first Clinical Advisor is crucial for supporting our work on women's health and fostering deeper connections within the clinical community.
Engagement with the New Government & Backing Up Our Asks
With the new government in place, early engagement has been positive, and I know the narrative around boosting the economy through the life sciences sector will resonate with you as business leaders. In the coming weeks, we will continue to focus on our Manifesto asks and establish ourselves with the new health and business teams. Foremost in our discussions is the need to accelerate a predictable and well resourced UK regulatory environment and ensuring the NHS is fully equipped to adopt and spread innovative technologies. Our latest business survey's timing is therefore perfect, as presenting the government with credible evidence to inform their decisions is a huge opportunity. Please provide your input by 31st July.
Harnessing Expertise for HealthTech's Impact
Our recently elected Board of Directors, Chair, and Vice Chairs are now in place, positioning us for even greater impact in the months and years ahead. Their collective expertise, variety of company sizes, and breadth of technologies within their portfolios, represents the diversity and dynamism of our sector. I am particularly excited about what we can achieve in supporting the growth of our industry, and we will provide an update in early September on our work. As always, I thank you for your support of our efforts.
On behalf of the entire ABHI team, I wish you all an excellent summer break.
