Brussels, 6 June 2008 - The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published its "World health statistics 2008" report. The report reveals that non-communicable diseases with chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke are now the chief causes of death globally.
Eucomed believes that medical devices and innovative medical technologies offer solutions which can help reduce this global burden and improve the life of patients suffering from such chronic diseases. Pacemakers and defibrillators for instance are medical devices which have a great impact on the management of heart conditions in patients. Recent European accomplishments in the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as e-health provide healthcare professionals with the opportunity to change the way healthcare will be delivered.
"There is no doubt that medical technology has made a significant contribution to the treatment of the world's most prevalent diseases. What the WHO shows in its health statistics report points at an area where we believe innovative medical technologies could make an even greater contribution in the future. Medical device innovations in the area of e-health are one means for addressing today's and future health burdens such as chronic conditions", says John Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Eucomed.
World health statistics 2008 is based on data collected from WHO's 193 Member States. This annual report is the most authoritative reference for a set of 73 health indicators in countries around the world. World health statistics 2008 is the official record of data produced by WHO's technical programmes and regional offices in close consultation with countries and in collaboration with researchers and development agencies.
Eucomed is the Voice of the medical technology industry in Europe. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 4500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry invests some EUR 3.8 billion in research and development and employs near to 435,000 highly skilled workers. The mission of Eucomed is to improve patient and clinician access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology.
Mark Grossien
Communications Director
mark.grossien(at)eucomed(dot)be
+32 (0)2.775.92.24
