COVID-19 Information Hub

COVID-19: the role of medical technology

Medical technology plays a vital role in testing who may have contracted COVID-19, ensuring that healthcare professionals can work safely and that quality care and treatment is available to all those who need it.

Three key categories of health products are critical in these times:
• COVID-19 diagnostic tests (click here to know more)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), which include face masks, gloves, protective goggles and suits (click here to know more)
• Respiratory support equipment, which includes ventilators and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

You can learn more about these three categories of products by listening to our MedTech ON AIR podcast below.

Our members, both manufacturers and national associations, are working relentlessly to make sure that these products are produced and supplied to hospitals and healthcare systems in a time of unprecedented pressure.

Medical technology also plays a critical role in informing deconfinement strategies. For a deeper look into this you can listen to the podcast below:

As a European association, MedTech Europe supports these efforts. We coordinate and liaise among manufacturers, national associations and EU institutions to make sure that supply chains are not disrupted and access to all medical technologies can continue.

Scroll through the page to find out more about the ongoing efforts and initiatives of the medical technologies industry, EU institutions and other international bodies and organisations.

MedTech Europe publications

In this section, you will find all relevant communications coming from MedTech Europe, as well as updates concerning MedTech Europe events and initiatives.

• IVD Industry Calls for Clear Testing Protocols to Prepare for the Winter Season during the COVID-19 pandemic (30 July 2020)

  IVD Industry Calls for Clear Testing Protocols to Prepare for the Winter Season during the COVID-19 pandemic (30 July 2020)

  In vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests are an indispensable part in managing many types of infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the diagnostic industry continues to play a role in dealing with this global health emergency.

  Read the full statement here or download it below.

  Download
• The need for ‘virtual audits’ under the Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulations in the context of a pandemic, such as COVID-19

  The need for ‘virtual audits’ under the Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulations in the context of a pandemic, such as COVID-19

  In its position paper, MedTech Europe urgently calls upon the European Commission and Member States to publish guidance clarifying that in place of on-site audits, Notified Bodies may conduct audits under MDR and IVDR in a ‘virtual’ mode. These virtual audits should not only be limited to COVID-19 related products.

  You can download the document below, or find it in our resource library.

   

  Download
• COVID-19 Implications for Clinical Investigations Needed for Medical Device Recertification

  COVID-19 Implications for Clinical Investigations Needed for Medical Device Recertification

  During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical device manufacturers are striving to keep clinical investigations for existing and new medical technologies running with minimal disruption while preserving the safety of the participants and the quality of the generated data. Despite the best efforts, some activities in the framework of clinical investigations may have to be delayed, slowed down or reduced. In view of this situation and its potential impact on recertification of medical devices joint efforts are needed from all stakeholders. To find out more we invite you to consult the MedTech Europe statement on the matter.

  You can download the document below, or find it in our resource library.

  Download
• Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Diagnostic Industry Angle

  Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Diagnostic Industry Angle

  This document aims to provide some answers drawn from the experience of developers and producers of tests and their related components. In this global health emergency, the diagnostics industry plays a crucial role, and is committed to doing its part so that life can move forward to a new kind of normal.

  Download
• Letter - The MedTech Community Stands with Patients - Access to Medical Technologies and Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic (15 April 2020)

  Letter - The MedTech Community Stands with Patients - Access to Medical Technologies and Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic (15 April 2020)

  These are difficult times for all of us. The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic is unlike any viral outbreak we have ever seen, and health and care systems are being tested like never before. Large parts of the world came to a standstill to stop the new coronavirus from spreading. On the other end, people who become infected, people who get acutely sick and people living with chronic conditions need effective care to continue.

  You can download the letter below, or find it in our resource library.

  Download
• Joint letter - European Industry outlines trade and supply chain needs to respond to Covid-19

  Joint letter - European Industry outlines trade and supply chain needs to respond to Covid-19

  The European industry is working around the clock to increase capacity and ensure supply of critical medicines and medical and protective equipment (e.g. diagnostic tests, ventilators, protective masks, gloves and gowns, Intensive Care Unit medicines and equipment, and protective clothing) to patients and healthcare workers across Europe in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

  Follow this link to read the full letter or download it below.

  Download
• GDPR standards in times of COVID-19: MedTech Europe Q&A

  GDPR standards in times of COVID-19: MedTech Europe Q&A

  This Q&A discusses questions relating to GDPR compliance. While it is not to be treated as guidance or legal advice, it will hopefully serve as a useful point of reference. You can download the full Q&A below.

  Download
• COVID-19 Procurement Actions (25 May 2020)

  COVID-19 Procurement Actions (25 May 2020)

  Follow this link to find the most updated version of this document or click on the icon below to download.

  Download
• MedTech Europe Code Guidance on COVID-19 Emergency Support (27 March 2020)

  MedTech Europe Code Guidance on COVID-19 Emergency Support (27 March 2020)

  This guidance aims at supporting medtech companies’ legal and/or compliance teams when considering emergency processes to fast-track requests related to the COVID-19 crisis to the benefit to society as a whole while attempting to limit the inherent compliance risks. You can download the full document below.

  Download
• MedTech Europe Press Release - COVID-19 recovery: Guidance for the Re-entry of Medical Technology Representatives in Healthcare Facilities (4 June 2020)

  MedTech Europe Press Release - COVID-19 recovery: Guidance for the Re-entry of Medical Technology Representatives in Healthcare Facilities (4 June 2020)

  The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty and disruption in the delivery of needed medical care and treatments to non-COVID-19 patient communities that rely on access to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, as well as on medical technologies and solutions.

  Medical technologies manufacturers remain committed to do the utmost possible to ease the difficulties that patients might face in these challenging times by ensuring that medical technologies and services are available without disruption and by contributing to a safe and swift return to regular healthcare services, including medical procedures.

  Read the full press release here.

• MedTech Europe statement on the supply conditions of Protective Medical Equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic (4 May 2020)

  MedTech Europe statement on the supply conditions of Protective Medical Equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic (4 May 2020)

  The objective of this statement is to raise awareness about the current situation impacting the supply chain conditions for protective medical equipment and its implications.

  You can read the full statement here or download it below.

  Download
• MedTech Europe Press Release on Amendment of the MDR (22 April 2020)

  MedTech Europe Press Release on Amendment of the MDR (22 April 2020)

  MedTech Europe welcomes the recent adoption by the European Council and European Parliament of the
  European Commission’s proposal to amend the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), which will:

  • Defer the 26 May 2020 date of application by 12 months, to a new date of 26 May 2021, and
  • Create the immediate possibility to grant EU-wide derogations to certain medical devices, e.g., those
    critically needed to help combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

  Read the full press release here, or download the PDF below.

  Download
• MedTech Europe Statement on EU Commission intention to postpone MDR deadline (25 March 2020)

  MedTech Europe Statement on EU Commission intention to postpone MDR deadline (25 March 2020)

  We welcome the announced intention of the European Commission to propose the postponement of the date of application for the Medical Devices Regulation by 12 months, and we also welcome the support that the European Parliament has expressed for this.

  Read the full statement here.

  Download
• MedTech Europe Press Release on COVID-19 impact on MDR and IVDR (23 March 2020)

  MedTech Europe Press Release on COVID-19 impact on MDR and IVDR (23 March 2020)

  The medical technology industry is fully engaged with all other healthcare stakeholders in the fight against COVID-19 outbreak, one of the worst pandemics in the past 100 years. The industry is working relentlessly to provide personal protective equipment (PPEs), diagnostics, respiratory devices and other critical medical equipment to patients, healthcare workers, and hospitals on the COVID19 frontline.

  Read the full statement here.

  Download
• MedTech Europe Press Release on the industry's role in the fight against COVID-19 (11 March 2020)

  MedTech Europe Press Release on the industry's role in the fight against COVID-19 (11 March 2020)

  MedTech Europe, the European trade association for the medical technology industry, calls on the European Commission and EU Member States to remove any barrier undermining the industry’s capacity to help manage the current unprecedented public health emergency.

  Read the full press release here.

• MedTech Europe statement the role of the industry in the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak (28 February 2020)

  MedTech Europe statement the role of the industry in the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak (28 February 2020)

  The medical technology industry is fully committed to responding to the needs of citizens across the world, in particular those of healthcare workers and governments, in tackling the ongoing outbreak of the Coronavirus COVID 19.

  Read and download the full statement here.

• The MedTech Forum

  The MedTech Forum

  Visit the MedTech Forum website to learn more about the latest developments.

European Union materials and publications

More relevant information coming from the EU insitutions can found in a dedicated section of our library. Here, we will also include links to online sections dedicated to COVID-19 on the EU institutions’ websites.

• EC Communication on Short-term EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks (15 July 2020)

  EC Communication on Short-term EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks (15 July 2020)

  You can find the document at this link or download it below.

  Download
• DG SANTE - Guidance on regulatory requirements for medical face masks (25 June 2020)

  DG SANTE - Guidance on regulatory requirements for medical face masks (25 June 2020)

  You can download the document below. To find more EU publications, please, follow this link.

  Download
• ECDC: 30-day forecasting on COVID19 development (26 May 2020)

  ECDC: 30-day forecasting on COVID19 development (26 May 2020)

  You can download the full ECDC technical report below or find it at this link.

  Download
• EC Communication - Guidelines on the adoption of Union-wide derogations for medical devices in accordance with Article 59 of Regulation (EU) 2017/745

  EC Communication - Guidelines on the adoption of Union-wide derogations for medical devices in accordance with Article 59 of Regulation (EU) 2017/745

  Download the document below or navigate to our resource library to find more publications from EU Institutions.

  Download
• Collection of Member States action on COVID-19 by the Health System Response Monitor

  Collection of Member States action on COVID-19 by the Health System Response Monitor

  Visit the platform to navigate through the different actions that countries and Member States are taking to manage the pandemic.

• ECDC situation overview on COVID-19 cases

  ECDC situation overview on COVID-19 cases

  You can find the overview on COVID-19 cases by the European Center for Disease Control at this link.

• Guidelines 03/2020 on the processing of data concerning health for the purpose of scientific research in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak

  Guidelines 03/2020 on the processing of data concerning health for the purpose of scientific research in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak

  You can find the document, published by the European Data Protection Board, here or download it below.

  Download
• A ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY - Towards a more resilient, sustainable and fair Europe

  A ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY - Towards a more resilient, sustainable and fair Europe

  Below you will find the roadmap on which EU leaders agreed to move Europe towards recovery. As stated in the document, its objective is to “chart the path towards a comprehensive recovery plan, with the ultimate objective of building a more resilient, sustainable and fair Europe”.

  Download
• EC Q&A - European Union Emergency Support Instrument for the healthcare sector

  EC Q&A - European Union Emergency Support Instrument for the healthcare sector

  Download the document below or navigate to our resource library.

  Download
• Coronavirus: the Commission mobilises all of its resources to protect lives and livelihoods

  Coronavirus: the Commission mobilises all of its resources to protect lives and livelihoods

  Download the document below or navigate to our resource library to see the full press release.

  Download
• EC new research projects on Coronavirus (March 2020)

  EC new research projects on Coronavirus (March 2020)

  You can download below a European Commission document outlining the new research projects on Coronavirus across the EU.

  Download
• Collection of European Union materials on COVID-19

  Collection of European Union materials on COVID-19

  Navigate to our library to find relevant publications from the European Union on the COVID-19 crisis.

• European Commission landing page on COVID-19

  European Commission landing page on COVID-19

  Here you will find the European Commission dedicated page.

Other useful links and publications

In this section, you will find relevant information on COVID-19 coming from other international institutions, bodies and associations.

• Information on potential testing strategies by FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics)

  Information on potential testing strategies by FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics)

  The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, in collaboration with Halteres Associates, developed diagnostic use cases for SARS-CoV-2 tests, highlighting the comparison, contrast and implications for each. You can find the full explanation on their website.

• World Health Organisation COVID-19

  World Health Organisation COVID-19

  Information on the COVID-19 outbreak from the WHO can be found here.

• Information on Tenders from European countries

  Information on Tenders from European countries

  Given the current situation, MedTech Europe has decided to publish tenders on this website for the benefit of any interested party when requested by the authorities in charge of the tenders. This is for information only and is by no means systematic research.

  MedTech Europe does not make any representation about the technical aspect of each tender and advises each interested party to seek expert advice before taking any decision regarding participation in the tenders.

  The tenders published on this website are managed at national level by the relevant authorities. To receive more information, please contact these authorities directly.

  Separately, you can also find a comprehensive online overview on all COVID-19 related current open public tenders and deadlines to submit bid covering several EU countries and product groups

• WHO Access to COVID-19 Tools (act) Accelerator

  WHO Access to COVID-19 Tools (act) Accelerator

  A global collaboration initiative by the WHO to accelerate the development, production and equitable access to new COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. You can find it here.

   

• WHO/ITU mHealth hub for Europe: mHealth solutions for managing the COVID-19 outbreak

  WHO/ITU mHealth hub for Europe: mHealth solutions for managing the COVID-19 outbreak

  This is a Horizon 2020 project led by the Andalusian health authority. Visit the platform to find out more.

• Johns Hopkins COVID-19 global map

  Johns Hopkins COVID-19 global map

  An interactive global map that allows you to follow the worldwide impact of the outbreak.

Contact information

Press relations:

• Tanja Valentin (External Affairs Director)
• Jerick Parrone (Senior Manager Communications)

Policy:

• Jesus Rueda Rodriguez (International Affairs Director)
• Tanja Valentin (External Affairs Director)
• Diana Kanecka (Manager, International Affairs)