SWITZERLAND

swissdamed – swiss database on medical device

The first module of the swissdamed medical devices database is live swissdamed is the new Swissmedic database for registering economic operators and medical devices, including in vitro diagnostic medical devices, on the Swiss market. The first of two modules went online on 6 August.

EUROPEAN UNION

New pilot programme to support orphan medical devices

EMA has launched a pilot programme for expert panels to support the development and assessment of orphan medical devices in the European Union (EU). The pilot programme offers free advice from the medical device expert panels to selected manufacturers and notified bodies on the orphan device status and the data needed for their clinical evaluation. While the pilot programme is currently scheduled to run until the end of 2025, the aim is to establish a long-term process for orphan device support.

AUSTRALIA

Medical devices affected by 3G network closure – Really? 3G?

Some medical device equipment, as well as products such as personal medical alarms could be affected as mobile network operators prepare to switch off their 3G networks- external site. 3G has been in use since the early 2000s but is being decommissioned in place of the advanced 4G and 5G networks.

Telstra and Optus will switch off their third-generation mobile networks at the end of August, while TPG Telecom/Vodafone already did so at the start of 2024.

BRAZIL

CMED launches form for receiving complaints

Starting this Thursday, August 1st, reports of violations related to the pharmaceutical market can be sent through a new online form , accessible to all citizens and interested bodies. The measure aims to improve the process of receiving and analyzing complaints and reduce the response time to citizens. The initiative is part of the strategies of the Chamber for the Regulation of the Medication Market (CMED) to strengthen the monitoring of this market in our country.

CANADA

Better dental care - Nearly 450,000 eligible Canadians have received care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is one of the largest social programs in Canadian history. Once fully implemented, the CDCP will help make dental care more affordable for up to nine million Canadian residents who do not currently have access to dental insurance.

PHILIPPINES

Lawmaker calls for another 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits

A House of Representatives resolution is urging the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to implement another round of 30-percent increase in all its benefit packages and coverage.

House Resolution No.1900, filed by Agri Party-List Rep. Wilbert Lee, seeks to determine how PhilHealth can expeditiously increase the current benefits and introduce new benefit packages such as the inclusion of vital diagnostic tests and other essential laboratory exams as outpatient services.

KOREA

Korea and ASEAN Adopt Joint Statement to Strengthen Regional Health Cooperation through Digital Health

Minister Cho Kyoo Hong of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) attended the 2nd Korea-ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting and the 10th ASEAN Plus Three (Korea, Japan, China) Health Ministers Meeting on Friday, August 9, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. At these consecutive meetings, he discussed strategies for cooperation to enhance regional health security and promote health through digital health initiatives.

UNITED STATES

Neuronetics and Greenbrook TMS Announce Definitive Agreement to Merge

Neuronetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STIM) (“Neuronetics”) and Greenbrook TMS Inc. (OTCMKTS: GBNHF) (“Greenbrook”) today announced that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) in which Neuronetics will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Greenbrook in an all-stock transaction.

UNITED STATES

Eyedaptic to unveil new AI-powered EYE6 smart glasses

Eyedaptic has announced the unveiling of its new smart glasses that harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to visually assist those with age-related macular degeneration and other retinal disorders that cause vision loss.1 EYE6, which is coupled with Eyedaptic’s interactive visual assistant named Ivy, will be introduced at the American Retina Forum National Meeting on August 7 in Carlsbad, California, according to a news release.

Finding Distribution Channels

When distribution channels are needed; When not

Sales distribution channels are always needed, it’s just that they are not necessarily distributor channels.

What we always want a distributor to have are:

1. Clinical network, which leads to sales.
2. Human resources - for business development, sales pitching, and follow up
3. Market entry, logistics – a party that will absorb the costs of these activities

However, the most important factor that a distributor needs to have is : commitment.

Without commitment,

1. Product knowledge cannot be acquired due to lack of time, human resources allocated.
2. Business development efforts may not be as comprehensive
3. Follow up may be slow, to a point where the lead turns cold
4. Market entry efforts may be slow

It most cases, Commitment isn’t easy to come by when the distributor

1. Finds your product ‘interesting’ and ‘let’s give it a go’
2. Does not provide a clear go-to-market strategy, and intends to just ‘integrate with our current offerings’
3. Has similar products to yours

Can we do without a distributor?

You can do without a distributor, but you cannot do without sales distribution. To build these channels, commitment from the manufacturer is the most important factor – to be present in the market before the product gains market entry, building awareness, and gaining more knowledge about the market dynamics in the country.

There are situations where a distributor would really be needed. Not just their existing network, but their technical service support, or storage space. But even that, there may be ways around it. Email us to find out how.

Still clear as mud?