AmCham Power Breakfast “Innovations in Healthcare Industry”

Future of health in EU, importance of nurturing innovations, digitalization and digital transformation in healthcare, the role of AI and implementation of data science in EU healthcare environment, equal opportunity access to modern and efficient healthcare for all citizens of EU and EU Masterplan against cancer were just some of the topics discussed at the AmCham Power Breakfast “Innovations in health”.

“The aim of today’s event is to contribute to a dialogue of all relevant stakeholders on the role of innovative healthcare industry as a generator of EU economic growth, future of healthcare innovations in EU as well as the importance of European innovation capacity taking into consideration Horizon Europe launch and closing of Multiannual Financial Framework. Our goal is to discuss new trends as well as European policy solutions motivating healthcare innovations and to emphasize the importance of innovations and incite even more the cooperation between IT and healthcare sector”, said Andrea Doko Jelušić, Executive Director of AmCham Croatia.

Nikolina Brnjac, State Secretary for cooperation with EP in the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs talked about the potential of Croatia’s Presidency of the Council of EU in defining future political priorities, especially those directly or indirectly connected with protection of healthcare innovations and in general to Europe that develops and influential Europe. In her opening speech Ms. Brnjac gave an overview of European strategic topics and policies directed towards improving the life quality of Europeans, efficiency of European institutions and democratic processes on EU level. She said that the presidency will deal with a series of important topics such as organ donation and transplantation, lifelong medical care and analysis of the impact of new medicinal products and healthcare technologies.

After opening speeches, there was a panel discussion with the following participants: Mario Antonić, State Secretary in Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts; Peter Fuzes, Oracle Senior Director for Public Sector, Education and Healthcare (EMEA region); Vera Katalinić Janković, Assistant Minister of Health; Rina Musić, MSD Managing Director for Croatia and Slovenia; Ines Strenja, Chairperson of the Health and Social Policy Committee in the Croatian Parliament.

Health is the responsibility of individual Member States, but there is certainly a consensus at EU level on the quality standard that should be available to all citizens, said Vera Katalinić-Janković, adding that the introduction of innovative healthcare solutions can lead to better health care and contribute to optimization of costs. Regarding the the fight against cancer, Katalinić-Janković said that Croatia is in the process of adopting a National Cancer Plan. Five days ago, public consultation was completed and work is now being done to incorporate the accepted remarks. The document will be directed to further procedure to the Government after the process of agreeing with relevant state bodies, said Vera Katalinić – Janković and added that the European Parliament announced the adoption of a European Cancer Plan on February 4th, to which Croatia will adapt its National Plan .

A wide range of innovative medicines is available in Croatia, but the accessibility of available resources should be taken into account and the principle of efficiency should be insisted on, said Rina Musić. Thanks to innovations in health care over the last 20 years, there has been a great progress so today some 30 diseases can be prevented by vaccination. A lot of what used to be deadly diseases, have become chronic, such as HIV, while diseases such as hepatitis have become curable. However, treatment outcomes in Croatia and five-year survival are still poor despite the increasing number of innovative medicines in our market, emphasized Rina Musić.

Ines Stranja emphasized the importance of centers of excellence where patients would have access to the latest technologies and top quality experts. An innovative organizational approach to the healthcare system is needed as well as some unpopular measures that require the support of the Government, said Ms. Strenja.

Talking about the innovation in the Republic of Croatia, State Secretary Mario Antonić said that according to the European innovation rankings, Croatia has been rated as moderately innovative. In the last two years, a lot has been done regarding the Croatian innovative system that is based on a Strategy of Smart Specialization (and the establishment of 5 Thematic Innovation Counciles, one of which is for Health and Quality of life) and the Innovation Encouragement Strategy. Healthcare, especially the pharmaceutical industry, is one of the most innovative industries, said Mr. Antonić.

When it comes to the use of advanced technologies, Peter Fuzes said there are many good examples where the use of artificial intelligence can help improve treatment outcomes and costs, especially controlling costs and supplies. Advanced technology can also contribute to better service and treatment outcomes for the patient especially in the prevention and early detection of the disease, said Mr. Fuzes.

The conclusion of the event was that the threat posed by the coronavirus is a good example of how health innovations, in this case the invention of a new vaccine, can contribute to the effectiveness of health systems and human therapy. AmCham Power Breakfast “Innovation in Healthcare Industry” was attended by more than 110 representatives business communities, public authorities and the media.