Home care and eHealth can improve the lives of patients, by bringing healthcare closer to the user and streamlining how services are delivered. That was among the key messages for politicians at a breakfast meeting on 6 June hosted by SPECTARIS, the German industry association for high-tech medium-sized businesses in medical technology.

The event attracted Dr Ralf Brauksiepe, the Federal Government’s Commissioner for Patient Affairs; Dr Roy Kühne, a leading member of the Bundestag Committee on Public Health; Dietrich Monstadt, board member of the parliamentary group representing medium-sized businesses, and numerous other members of parliament.

The interactive meeting was an opportunity for companies to share the industry’s positive impact on patients, and for politicians to explore how policy can support this.

Martin Braecklein of Linde Healthcare called for an easier path to market for digital applications. ‘Above all, eHealth means increased benefits for the patient,’ he argued. ‘Illnesses can be detected earlier, diagnoses can be made more reliable, hospital stays avoided or shortened. We therefore need to secure digital networking of all stakeholders in the healthcare sector.’

Participants also heard how the quality of homecare can be improved and why focusing on the overall value – rather than purchase prices – improves outcomes for patients and health systems. Company leaders also offered insights on how regulation affects innovative companies that drive progress and economic growth in the sector.

Politicians recognised the importance of the industry to the health sector and the economy and agreed that the constructive exchanges would continue at future parliamentary events.