VDGH Chairman Ulrich Schmid emphasized: "The diagnostics industry has reached a decisive turning point in 2023. Despite an expected decline in market growth, we now see an opportunity to set a new course for the future and focus on sustainable development and securing the supply of skilled workers."
Outlook for 2024: between caution and confidence
The latest survey of VDGH member companies reveals a mixed mood for the current year. Less than half of the companies surveyed rate their economic situation for the current year as positive, reflecting the ongoing uncertainties and challenges. Nevertheless, there is reason for cautious optimism: almost 60% of companies expect turnover to increase in 2024.
However, small and medium-sized companies in particular, which dominate the sector, face particular challenges in view of the bureaucratic hurdles.
Digitalization as a strategic focus
Dr Martin Walger, Managing Director of the VDGH, underlines the potential that digitalization and artificial intelligence represent for laboratory diagnostics. From the association's perspective, the digital transformation is an opportunity to increase the efficiency of medical care and at the same time strengthen the international competitiveness of the German diagnostics industry.
"We are experiencing a paradigm shift in the healthcare policy landscape. The realization that 'data helps heal' is underpinned by the digital laws passed in February. The digitalization of the healthcare system is becoming a reality. The diagnostics industry and medical laboratories can make significant contributions to this," says Walger.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the positive outlook, the industry continues to face challenges, particularly when it comes to implementing the new regulatory framework. These are laid down throughout Europe in the In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR). The VDGH welcomes the EU Commission's current proposal to extend the transitional periods by 2.5 years. This can counteract impending supply bottlenecks in laboratory diagnostics. In the long term, however, fundamental adjustments to the legal framework are necessary. The EU Commission will start an evaluation of the IVDR this year. The VDGH, together with the German Medical Technology Association (BVMed), presented a white paper on further development in fall 2023.
