The Medical Technology Association of Australia

The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) is the national association representing companies in the medical technology industry. MTAA aims to ensure the benefits of modern, innovative and reliable medical technology are delivered effectively to provide better health outcomes to the Australian community. MTAA represents manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of disease and disability. The range of medical technology is diverse with products ranging from familiar items such as syringes and wound dressings, through to high-technology implanted devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, hip and other orthopaedic implants. Products also include hospital and diagnostic imaging equipment such as ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging machines. MTAA members distribute the majority of the non-pharmaceutical products used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and disability in Australia. Our member companies also play a vital role in providing healthcare professionals with essential education and training to ensure safe and effective use of medical technology. Medical technology saves and improves lives by detecting diseases earlier and by providing more effective treatment options for patients and the healthcare system. The Australian medical technology industry, which includes medical devices, diagnostics and medical imaging equipment, comprises a diversity of manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology from emerging Australian companies to global companies. The product range is equally diverse and includes disease screening technologies, therapies, equipment and supplies - everything from complex capital equipment (such as x-ray machines and MRI scanners) to relatively simple items (such as bandages and syringes) and highly evolved technologies (such as implantable devices).The industry is also characterized by a high level of innovation, resulting in short life cycles for many products. Many medical devices undergo constant development based on feedback from medical practitioners and advances in other sciences relevant to medical technology. Small Australian firms often play the major role in research and development of new medical devices, with large firms providing organizational and capital assets that help ensure new products' commercial success.