Mecomed, the Dubai-based Middle East Medical Devices and Diagnostics Trade Association, is extending its reach to incorporate North Africa and the greater Middle East region as the organisation expands its vision of representing the broader regional industry and emulating the success of similar industry associations in other regions. Following the lastest Mecomed quarterly meeting (October 2010), the organisation is also now seeking to appoint full time staff as its activity programme develops strongly with a focus on regulatory affairs.
According to the Chairman of the organisation, Mecomed currently represents more than 50 per cent of the regional industry, which is worth more than US$1 billion pa: "Mecomed aims to grow to represent 80 per cent of the regional industry, within the next one to two years," said Mr. Craig McLaren, who is also the Regional Managing Director, MD&D, Johnson & Johnson for Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan. "The medical device and diagnostics industry continues to grow and develop in the region, and the regulatory environment in the region is changing fast and we need to keep pace. In response to this, Mecomed is pushing beyond the GCC to engage countries in the wider Middle East and North Africa."
Mecomed's initial focus has been on regulatory affairs and compliance, and the organisation has successfully launched a code of conduct for the members of the regional industry. Its model has been the European equivalent – Eucomed – from which it has brought established industry best practice to the region through its members, many of whom are also members of Eucomed.
According to Mecomed, the industry is performing well and the potential for the region remains very attractive, helped by the rising commitment to healthcare generally, improved regulatory environment, improved product safety and outcomes, and infection control. "The improving regulatory environment is helping to create a fairer and more level playing field for the industry and Mecomed aims to contribute to this through our global expertise and knowledge, and best practice. We believe the region is doing all the right things," explained McLaren.
Mecomed allows the industry to speak with one voice to regulators and the health authorities across the region – a fact that that has been welcomed for the ease of communication and mutual understanding that it facilitates.
"As an industry group, we are working towards meeting the new regulatory requirements and deadlines across the region. We are taking a strong consultative approach to regulatory development, to ensure that patients continue to benefit from the products services and solutions of all our members. Our regulatory steering group is making an important contribution to this process, in partnership with the regulators, combining the substantial global experience and expertise of our members. This activity, long with our other initiatives, means that we are now in need of full time, permanent staff to help maintain the momentum and to ensure effective liaison and coordination to deliver these projects," concluded McLaren.
