These guidelines are set out in the MedTech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice, which regulates all aspects of the industry’s relationship with HCPs and healthcare organisations (HCOs). It covers medical education and research & development. It also introduces an independent enforcement mechanism and transparency obligations.
The MedTech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice became binding for MedTech Europe corporate members on 1st January 2017. The Code sets clear and transparent rules for industry’s relationship with HCPs and HCOs, including company events, third party organised events (TPOE), arrangements with consultants, gifts, research and financial support to medical education.
Compliance with existing laws is not enough to protect the integrity and reputation of the industry. Currently, anti-corruption laws vary substantially across countries, even within Europe. The Code aims to offer a level playing field for companies operating in different markets while at the same time ensuring the highest compliance standards. The Code was developed as industry’s commitment to support clear and strict self-regulation to protect its reputation.
Global collaboration
In an international business environment, ethical business practices is a global issue. MedTech Europe works closely with industry associations around the world to raise standards across the industry. As an example, together with AdvaMed, our US counterpart, MedTech Europe has jointly developed the Global MedTech Compliance Conference (GMTCC). This annual event is an opportunity to debate, share and solve key healthcare compliance topics and trends.
Another example is the collaboration of MedTech Europe in the Global Medical Technology Alliance (GMTA). GMTA represents innovative companies that currently develop and manufacture 85 percent of the world’s medical devices, diagnostics and equipment. The GMTA has agreed a set of global principles of ethical business practices through a Joint Global Ethical Declaration. The GMTA principles lay down simple and pragmatic approaches for the development of codes of ethics for industry around the world, underpinned by two simple concepts:
- Supporting the development, research and use of innovative technologies for the benefit of the patient
- Addressing the key interactions of the Companies with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and healthcare organizations (HCOs) through Codes of Ethics
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EthicalMedTech : MedTech Europe Compliance Portal
EthicalMedTech : MedTech Europe Compliance Portal
EthicalMedTech is a platform, supported by MedTech Europe, dedicated to ethics and compliance projects in the MedTech industry.
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GMTA Global Medical Technology Alliance
GMTA Global Medical Technology Alliance
Click here to visit GMTA website
