Budget - MTAA Welcomes Government Committment to Medical Technology - 13 May 2008

The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) welcomes the Government's budget commitment to establish a Health and Hospitals Fund of $10 billion to support strategic investments in health, including investments in health and hospital facilities and equipment, medical technology and equipment and major medical research facilities and equipment.

This significant allocation will go towards ensuring Australian patients have access to the most appropriate medical technology to deliver an equitable level of medical care.

"Medical technology has a central role in managing the health of Australian patients. This commitment will go towards ensuring a more equitable healthcare system" said Anne Trimmer, MTAA CEO.

Medical technology improves patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis and better treatment of disease and disability. Medical technology also provides overall cost benefits to the healthcare system through such things as improved procedure times, reduced hospital stays and faster patient recovery times

MTAA also welcomed the Government's commitment to subsidising insulin pumps for under 18 year olds. The measure will cost $5.5 million over four years, providing a means-tested subsidy of up to $2500 for around 700 people with Type 1 diabetes.

"We look forward to receiving further information and working closely with Government to ensure the best possible outcome" Anne Trimmer, MTAA CEO concluded.

The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) is the national peak industry body representing companies in the medical technology industry. MTAA aims to ensure the benefits of modern, innovative and reliable medical technology are delivered to the community for a healthier Australia.

www.mtaa.org.au

Media contact: Anna Karelas MTAA 0411 596 187
.