Advancing global medical standards: EuroCham’s Medical Devices and Diagnostics Sector Committee (MDDSC)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has consistently highlighted the significance of medical equipment in diverse medical interventions, ranging from minor injuries like sprains to more intricate procedures such as HIV/AIDS testing and organ transplants. Medical equipment plays a pivotal role in patient care across numerous medical fields, encompassing specialized and grassroots medicine, primary healthcare, preventive measures, diagnostics, both acute and chronic treatment, palliative assistance, functional rehabilitation, and medical research. Consequently, medical equipment, along with medications and physicians, stands as one of the triad foundational elements in healthcare.

The EuroCham Medical Devices and Diagnostics Sector Committee (MDDSC) was established in May 2016, acting as the representative of the global medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics industry. For over seven years, its objective has been to proactively engage with government bodies, regulatory agencies, payers, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders to champion optimal practices, maintain the utmost industry criteria, and participate in the formulation of healthcare policies in Vietnam. In essence, its aim has been to guarantee prompt availability of enduring, cutting-edge, and superior healthcare for every Vietnamese individual. Throughout its endeavors, it has been honored to forge robust alliances, notably with the Ministry of Health, on various initiatives that resonate with its  shared mission.

Some core MDDSC advocacy focal points for 2023 include:

• Speeding up the process of granting marketing authorization and creating a mechanism for new/change Class C and D medical devices.
• Establishing a legal framework for the tender of medical devices including clear guidance for the new model of cost per test for instrument placement.
• Law on Health Insurance: supplementary health Insurance and health insurance fund/budget for prevention and primary health to reduce the burden of treatment.

Some spotlight activities this year:

• On 5 July in Ho Chi Minh City and 7 July in Hanoi, the MDDSC commenced a training workshop on the Code of Ethical Conduct for Interactions with Healthcare Professionals in the Medical Devices Industry.
• On 1 August, the MDDSC held an official meeting with Vietnam’s Infrastructure and Medical Devices Administration (IMDA) to discuss a three-year cooperation plan aimed at elevating the country’s healthcare infrastructure
• On 18 and 19 September, the MDDSC collaborated with the Ministry of Health, Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed), and Infrastructure and Medical Devices Administration (IMDA) to organise an ASEAN Common Submission Dossier Template (CSDT) Workshop in Hanoi.
• On 18 October, the MDDSC was pleased to jointly organize the Value-base Market Access Summit in partnership with the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed) and supported by the Ministry of Planning and Investment

Want to join our Medical Devices and Diagnostics Sector Committee? 

Contact Senior Sector Committee Coordinator Toan Le at mddsc@eurochamvn.org for more info!