European Device Industry to End Direct Sponsorship of Healthcare Professionals

MedTech Europe is calling on member companies to phase out all direct sponsorship of healthcare professionals by Jan. 1, 2018. The group also wants to see stricter rules regarding indirect sponsorship of physicians and other practitioners.

The measures are part of a continued effort to reinforce the groups’ ethics code. Self-regulation measures for indirect sponsorship activities are being developed by industry working groups and should be ready soon, MedTech Europe said Wednesday.

The group emphasized that it will continue to support medical education of healthcare personnel where it is appropriate and doesn’t conflict with industry guidelines.

MedTech Europe CEO Serge Bernasconi said the decision followed more than a year of consultation with members and stakeholders. The new Codes of Ethical Business Practice will be proposed for adoption at the group’s next general assembly in November 2015.

MedTech Europe is the umbrella group for the European Diagnostics Manufacturers Association and the European Medical Technology Industry Association. — Kellen Owings

Subscribe to Devices & Diagnostics Letter for complete coverage of the medical devices industry. Click here for more information.