Ilena, please post. thank you.
http://www.ue2002.es/Actualidad/plantillaDetalleCAL2.asp?opcion=1&id=...
Results of the Meeting of national health authorities under the Spanish
Presidency
dedicated to medical devices (Madrid, 17 and 18 January 2002)
"The sector of medical devices is a particularly sensitive area not only
>from the point of view of its
contribution to health, the prevention and treatment of diseases, the
recuperation of physical integrity and health and preservation of life,
but
also from the point of view of the impact this technology has on the
public health budget", said Julio Sánchez Fierro, vice-Minister of
>health
and consumer affairs in a first meeting on health issues organized under
the Spanish Presidency of the European Union.
Competent authorities from the European Union, EFTA and applicant
countries and the European
Commission met for two days in Madrid under the Spanish Presidency to
discuss a series of strategic and public health issues related to
medical
devices.
Authorities examined progress under the various recently set up working
groups on premarket controls and vigilance. The meeting agreed to
further enhance cooperation and established a permanent Market
Surveillance Operations Group.
Special attention was given to measures in relation to information to
women about the health issues of breast implantation.
Carmen Abad Luna of the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs,
who chaired the meeting, said "the meeting reflected the
excellentand increasingly close cooperation between member states, EFTA
and applicant countries. This will be of particular benefit to patients
and
users throughout Europe".
The Spanish Presidency introduced its intention to produce Council
Conclusions highlighting the impact of medical devices on public health
and the major challenges and opportunities the sector is facing in the
years ahead. Strong support was expressed for this initiative.
Further information on the European Union's policy on medical devices
can be obtained on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Health and
Consumer Affairs (http://www.msc.es), the European
Commission's website on urope:
http://www.europe.eu.int/comm/enterprise/medical_devices/index.htm and
the national
administration's websites, where copies of this press release may also
be found.
Competent Authorities on Medical Devices
