Press Release - Innovation in Healthcare

May 3, 2020 The American Chamber of Commerce in Croatia organized a power breakfast on the topic of innovations in the healthcare industry with keynote speeches by Nikolina Brnjac, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Vera Katalinić-Janković, Assistant Minister of Health.

The participants of the subsequent panel discussion were Mario Antonić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts; Rina Musić, Managing Director at MSD; Peter Fuzes, Senior Director for Public Sector, Education and Healthcare (EMEA region) at Oracle; Vera Katalinić-Janković, Assistant Minister of Health; and Ines Strenja, Chairperson of the Health and Social Policy Committee in the Croatian Parliament.

Healthcare is the responsibility of individual member states, but there is certainly a consensus at EU level on the standard of quality that should be available to all citizens, said Vera Katalinić-Janković. She added that the introduction of innovative healthcare solutions can lead to better healthcare and contribute to optimization of costs.

Rina Musić emphasized that 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.

Ines Stranja emphasized the importance of centers of excellence where patients would have access to the latest technologies and top quality experts. She concluded by saying that what is needed is an innovative organizational approach to the healthcare system as well as some unpopular measures that require the support of the government.

Talking about 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 innovation system that is based on the Strategy of Smart Specialization (the establishment of 5 thematic innovation councils, one of which concerns itself with health and quality of life) and encouraging innovations. Healthcare, especially the pharmaceutical industry, is one of the most innovative industries, said Mr. Antonić.

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 diseases, said Peter Fuzes, Senior Director for Public Sector, Education and Healthcare (EMEA region) at Oracle.

Today's event was attended by more than 110 representatives of the business community, public authorities and media.