The TAMC conference brought together key stakeholders in the medical technology
sector, including innovators, investors, regulators and among others. The goal was to explore opportunities for advancing healthcare technology in Africa, tackle existing challenges, and showcase supported successful innovations.
The conference featured intuitive sessions in which key stakeholders discussed crucial matters pertaining to the status of medtech innovations in Africa. This section provides a brief overview of the takeaways from the discussions.
Africa’s Current Healthcare Landscape:
“Africa today faces similar challenges to India a decade ago, with an opportunity to become a major healthcare exporter if issues are addressed”.
Local Ecosystem and Import Substitution. The goal of this is for Africa to move from being a net importer to a net exporter of medical technologies.
Challenges faced by Africa’s MedTech eco-system:
- Market fragmentation that makes scaling feel difficult.
- Shortage of healthcare workers.
- Healthcare is seen more as a social sector than part of the economy.
- Frequent disease outbreaks requiring homegrown solutions.
Why Healthcare is Crucial for Africa’s Development
- Urgent need to own healthcare systems/economic independence.
- Frequent disease outbreaks requiring homegrown solutions.
- Stopping brain drain, creating jobs, and fostering innovation within the continent.
Support Needed for MedTech Innovation
- Funding through grants and equity to boost innovation in MedTech.
- Exemption from tax/fees
- Regulatory process streamlining
Next Steps for Neosave Technologies:
- Integrate key strategies discussed at the conference.
- Explore partnerships with government bodies to foster good business relationships.
- Engage biomedical engineering societies to collaborate on equipment testing and maintenance protocols.
- Develop an internal IP audit plan for Autothermo
- Provide information on equipment disposal
- Be proactive with the regulators
- Provide a list of testing tools for Autothermo device for confirmation if the device is still operational
Conclusion:
The conference emphasized that while challenges exist, examples of successful
innovations prove that Africa can become a leader in MedTech with the right mindset and resources. Overall, the conference was an invaluable platform to showcase and pitch the Autothermo device, learn from fellow innovators, and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the African healthcare landscape.
‘Asante sana’ to Villgro Africa for the travel opportunity and platform to showcase Auothermo