AdvaMed Applauds Bush Initiatives to Promote Timely Patient Access to Innovative Medical Technologies Outlined in State of the Union

1/29/2002

From: Jeff Ezell 202-434-7243, jezell@AdvaMed.org; or Mary Plock, 202-434-7240, mplock@AdvaMed.org; both of AdvaMed

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 -- AdvaMed, the Advanced Medical Technology Association, applauded President George W. Bush for outlining priorities during the State of the Union address that encourage medical research, modernize Medicare and enhance the nation's emergency preparedness.

"President Bush's speech recognized the important role that innovative medical technology plays in protecting and improving our health, whether by combating bioterrorism or fighting cancer," said AdvaMed President Pamela G. Bailey. "The speech highlights the importance of making policy changes to ensure that advanced medical technologies available when and where they are needed."

The President's plans for needed Medicare reform will help ensure patients have timely access to these new lifesaving and life-improving medical technologies. Currently, 15-month to five-plus-year delays still plague seniors needing access to FDA-approved medical technologies.

Bailey noted the broad bipartisan support for increased research, Medicare reform and strengthening our nation's defense against bioterrorism. "AdvaMed looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress in the coming year to improve patient access to medical technologies," she said.

AdvaMed's Medical Technology Preparedness Council also welcomed the President's plan to strengthen the nation's defenses against bioterrorism. "This increased funding for NIH will spur research and development of new medical technologies to improve detection, prevention, and surveillance of bioterrorist attacks," said Bailey. The Council is working with numerous government agencies to foster development of new medical technologies that meet this need.

------ AdvaMed, the Advanced Medical Technology Association, represents more than 1,100 innovators and manufacturers of medical devices, diagnostic products and medical information systems. Our members produce nearly 90 percent of the $71 billion health care technology products consumed annually in the United States, and nearly 50 percent of $169 billion purchased around the world annually.