Brussels, 17 November 2020: COCIR today publishes its paper entitled “Market Access Pathways for Digital Health Solutions”. This paper assesses the situation for digital health solutions in several Member States and offers preliminary recommendations for improving and accelerating market access.
The importance and relevance of this topic was also recognised during a successful COCIR event on the Digitalisation of Healthcare: the New Normal, held yesterday (16 November).
Featuring high-level and expert speakers, including representatives of the European Commission, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and digital health companies, attendees examined how the Coronavirus pandemic has revealed the fragility of European public health systems. There was a consensus that the overall availability of digital health technologies and infrastructure had been found lacking, creating unequal access to care and reducing the inefficiency of the pandemic response.
“There is clearly broad agreement on the value of digital health solutions in supporting and improving healthcare. This is not limited to dealing with the current COVID-19 crisis but also for the future of our health and care systems”, says COCIR Secretary-General Nicole Denjoy. “However, participants identified reimbursement frameworks as one of the main barriers to reaping these benefits. As COCIR we are happy to initiate the discussion on this matter and will continue to further engage with all stakeholders.”
The paper identifies challenges and opportunities in evaluating and implementing digital health solutions and makes initial recommendations for both the European Commission and Member States to resolve these issues.
Drawing on the experiences of its Corporate and National Trade Associations members, COCIR assessed the current situation of market access for digital health solutions at national level. It is clear that Member States must learn from each other, evaluate and share best practices, and - in collaboration with industry - construct clear and efficient pathways for reimbursement of digital health solutions. This will ensure that citizens and patients benefit from timely access to the best available care.
You can download the COCIR Publication on “Market Access Pathways for Digital Health Solutions” here.
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About COCIR
COCIR is the European Trade Association representing the medical imaging, radiotherapy, health ICT and electromedical industries. Founded in 1959, COCIR is a non-profit association headquartered in Brussels (Belgium) with a China Desk based in Beijing since 2007. COCIR is unique as it brings together the healthcare, IT and telecommunications industries.
www.cocir.org
For more information, contact:
Nicole Denjoy
COCIR Secretary General
Tel: +32 (0)2 706 8961
denjoy@cocir.org
Colin Mackay
COCIR Communications Senior Advisor
Tel: +32 (0) 473 43 07 52
press@cocir.org