Yoshio Mitsumori 05.06.06
While the medical remuneration cuts negatively impact the industry overall, another movement is proliferating for the development and improvement of medical technology in Japan.
The Medical Engineering Technology Industry Strategy Consortium (METIS), formed in 2001 to promote the development of Japanese-made medical devices, developed a strategic report focusing on seven prioritized projects to promote the development and improvement of medical technology.
Consisting of med-tech experts from both public and private sectors, the Consortium pointed out in its report that products are taking too long to reach market and that the criteria for evaluation of new products are not well established. To ensure the safety and efficacy of all products entering the medical market, the Consortium suggests setting a clear standard for the evaluation of new products and the requirements to reach market.
This movement comes on the heels of the realization that nearly 40% of medical devices being used in Japan are imports—particularly the most highly advanced technologies.
The medical device industry clearly is in quite a bit of flux in Japan. It will be interesting to see what develops on all these fronts. Stay tuned…