The largest trade group in the world that represents manufacturers of medical devices, Advanced Medical Technology Group (AdvaMed), took part in the Biden Administration’s 2022 Global Supply Chain Ministerial to discuss crucial solutions to stop disruptions in the healthcare supply chain. As a member of the Administration’s Joint Supply Chain Resilience Working Group, AdvaMed has participated in and led discussions between the MedTech sector, government representatives, and crucial suppliers like semiconductor chip producers, pleading with all parties to prioritize the healthcare sector.
The ministerial, which is being co-hosted by the US Departments of State and Commerce, was preceded by the 2021 Global Supply Chain Summit, which brought together international partners to discuss addressing supply network bottlenecks and long-term supply chain resiliency.
Participants will take part in four sessions (Crisis Response, Enabling Environment/Investment, Transportation/Logistics, and Workforce Development/Labor), which will be attended by representatives from business, labor, civil society, and subnational governments. A summary of the discussions’ conclusions will be provided to Secretaries Blinken and Raimondo as well as their foreign coworkers.
According to Scott Whitaker, President, and CEO of AdvaMed, “AdvaMed is thrilled to join other national leaders in tackling supply chain concerns affecting the global Medtech sector and the patients we serve.” These inputs, whether they be semiconductor chips or medical-grade packaging, are essential in the creation of many life-saving medical devices. If we do not prioritize health care to address both short- and long-term supply chain issues, we will face a health disaster for millions of patients due to the widespread shortages exacerbated by the current epidemic and other global causes. We value the direction Secretary Blinken and Secretary Raimondo have taken on this issue and their organization of this important meeting this week.
The Joint Supply Chain Resilience Working Group’s Executive Committee member Abby Pratt of AdvaMed said, “These discussions between government and business leaders are critical to addressing our ongoing supply chain challenges, and we are grateful for the opportunity to engage with stakeholders who share our concerns. While supply chain problems impact all businesses, a lack of essential parts and components for MedTech producers would jeopardize our country’s security. In order to address these immediate and long-term supply chain issues, as well as to advocate for health care goals, AdvaMed will continue to collaborate with the federal government and supply chain partners.
