ESC got its foot in the EC through Health Technology Assessment
The world of medical devices and drugs is constantly changing. Healthcare is brimming with medical technology. Whether in diagnostics or treatment, peripherals or implants, the possibilities of electronic and wireless technology abound and are increasingly being exploited. Today’s challenges demand innovation, and advanced technology offers solutions. So innovation all around.
The question is whether all the EMF risks of these developments are taken into account
Of course, in general, the impact of electrical interference on the reliability of equipment operation, or that of a less reliable wireless system, or data leakage will be considered. Of course, the focus is on devising and designing smart, safe and reliable equipment that is also sustainable and cost-efficient. But right now, there doesn’t seem to be much focus on the risks of EMFs from these medical devices to people.
Anyway, the medical market is in full swing. For the EU, this is reason to want to steer this market in the right direction; for the ESC, it is reason to want to be involved at this level in discussions about the risks the ESC sees with these new technologies.
What can the EU do?
Since the EU has no mandate in the field of health but can regulate medical devices, the European Commission has been looking for a way to support national authorities in regulating this particular market. Therefore, the Commission has set up two organisations that are involved with health technology assessment (HTA):
- The HTA Coordination Group that helps national authorities evaluate the relative effectiveness of new or existing health technologies by organising joint assessments. NB. HTA is a scientific, evidence-based process that focuses on the added value of a health technology compared to other available options.
- The HTA Stakeholder Network Group. Stakeholders can be patient associations, consumer organisations, health technology developer associations, health professional organisations and other relevant non-governmental organisations in the field of health.
ESC recently officially joined this HTA Network Group
This membership allows ESC to raise awareness about the health risks of EMF (HF/LF). Indeed, the purpose of the network is to facilitate dialogue between interest groups and the Commission and support the Commission’s work. But there is more to it. The stakeholder network will also play a key role in helping the Commission identify patients, clinical and other relevant experts for clinical assessments and scientific consultations. A welcome opportunity for ESC.
ESC was invited to the Network Group’s 4th meeting in November this year
During the meeting, more than 100 participants (including representatives from patient NGOs, EC departments, industry and consumers) discussed various aspects of the complex framework of procedures and processes involved in the introduction of new, effective and appropriate medical products (drugs or medical devices).
Rob and Giorgio (ESC Board) highlighted the specific need of detailed EMF specifications, particularly regarding the evaluation of new medical devices, to be included in the ‘template’ for a new product, with emphasis on their potential impact on electromagnetic pollution.
Participants at the individual meetings were open to ESC’s concerns. Our request to include experts on safe connectivity in the expert panel was also well received.
In conclusion, this successful lobbying initiative by ESC had a promising start.