On 21 & 22 September, SAMED held its annual conference at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre. Our annual flagship event was a great success with industry and industry partners coming together to discuss the current and future state of medtech and the actions that need to be taken now to reform healthcare.
During the conference opening, Professor Bonang Mohale (President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Chancellor of the University of the Free State, and Author of the bestselling books, ‘Lift As You Rise’ and ‘Behold The Turtle’), launched into a passionate address on ethical leadership, transformation, social justice, people development, constructive collaboration and integrity. His words echoed SAMED’s drive for compliance with ethical principles and practices, meaningful transformation and the development of strong partnerships that elevate the sector.
Conference MC and moderator, Tania Habimana, led insightful and interactive sessions with leaders and key stakeholders that unpacked accessing medtech for better patient outcomes; be it through value-based healthcare, regulatory harmonisation or an effective health technology assessment agency for South Africa. These conversations, while educational, also pave the way for further engagement and collaboration with esteemed panellists to shape best practices in standards, policies and regulatory requirements applicable to the medical technology sector.
Professor Bonang Mohale, President of Business Unity South Africa, giving his opening address.
The SAMED 2022 Annual Conference also provided us with a prime opportunity to meet with our members. SAMED strives to safeguard, promote and represent the common interests of our members. The valuable feedback on member and industry interests will form part of committee and Board discussions as we use our united voice to engage with health sector partners and stakeholders to support the growth and sustainability of South African medtech.
In closing, Setlhare Bakhane, Director for Health Technology at the National Department of Health reaffirmed that the Department regards SAMED as an important stakeholder because the medical technology industry is an essential element of health provision. “The National Department of Health is looking forward to working with [SAMED] as we reform our health sector into becoming one system serving people in an equitable manner,” said Mr Bakhane. SAMED looks forward to further engagements at the highest levels as we work with partners such as the National Department of Health to strengthen our health system and improve the lives of South Africa’s citizens through the provision of life-changing and life-saving medtech.
Pictured left: Mr Setlhare Bakhane, Director for Health Technology at the National Department of Health closed the conference.
Delegates watch Prof Mohale’s opening address.
Panellists discuss creating youth jobs and capacity in healthcare.
Localisation panellists engage in robust discussion.
Panellists give their take on an HTA agency for South Africa.
