Committed to the exchange of knowledge and experience

The entire "health" sector - including pharmaceuticals and medical products - is strongly represented as an industry within the SAQ. This is no coincidence: the medtech sector alone has around 750 companies, a density that is probably unique in Europe, as Peter Koemeter from Früh Verpackungstechnik AG notes. He chaired the Medical Devices Division for a good five years before handing over the baton to Dr. Beat Sägesser of SAQ-QUALICON six months ago. This specialist group has now been in existence for ten years - a small anniversary within the 50-year celebrations of the SAQ. However, the ten-year anniversary is not being celebrated in particular, as Sägesser reveals in the following interview.

Mr Sägesser, what is the general purpose of the Medical Devices Division?

Beat Sägesser: The focus is on the exchange of experience and knowledge between experts. The main focus is on issues relating to regulations and quality management, but of course also on technology.

Our events are highly appreciated by the industry.

Who is a member of this professional group?

They are all people who are personally interested in the medtech industry. Company affiliation is not the primary consideration.

Was there a specific reason why the specialist group was set up in the first place?

I wasn't there at the founding itself. But there was no decisive trigger. The medtech industry is still relatively young. However, it was soon recognized that there was a need for professional exchange due to the ever-increasing regulation and technological development. This led to the founding of the specialist group.

How has the specialist group developed? What are the most important milestones and success stories?

There are actually at least four success stories per year, namely the events that our core team organizes. The events are all highlights in their own right and are very much appreciated by the industry. However, a major upheaval - if you like - took place five years ago. There were many changes in the team, the specialist group was actually disbanded, only to be re-established immediately. Some of the founders are still on the team. Another part took different paths at that time.

And today: What topics are you currently dealing with in the specialist group?

There are always different topics. A lot is currently happening in terms of quality management and regulations. Because the regulations are tending to become ever stronger and stricter, and as an industry we have to tackle the corresponding measures while taking economic efficiency into account. The euro crisis, which is preoccupying the industry, is also a recurring topic in the discussions.

Can you give an example?

A current event deals with the topic "Traceability of medical devices ". Let's take the example of an artificial hip joint: these are designed for a long service life. So even after a relatively long time, it must still be possible to trace the origin of the product. This topic also includes the so-called UDI, unique device identifica-tion. In a theoretical part, we will explain the basics on the occasion in question. On the basis of a practical example, speakers will show how

A lot is currently happening in terms of quality management and regulations.

their company solves this challenge. This is how the knowledge exchange then comes about.

To what extent are the ever-increasing regulations your main concern?

Yes, the regulations are becoming ever tighter. The aim is for companies to be able to comply with the new regulations while at the same time maintaining their innovative strength, entrepreneurial freedom and product safety.

How do you react there? Can you as a specialist group influence developments here in any way?

We are not an industry association, but a specialist group. But our events serve to enable experts to exchange ideas about problems and possible solutions.

What are the next goals of the Medical Devices Division?

We plan two to three years in advance each time and want to continue our line so that we can continue to offer interesting events.

Experts can exchange ideas on problems and possible solutions.

How great is the demand for these events? Are they well attended?

Recently we have seen a slight decline in the number of participants. We therefore want to address even more people in the future. We are convinced that it is not the quality of the events that is lacking, but the level of awareness.

And your personal motivation?

With my commitment, I would like to further promote the professional exchange and thus make a contribution to Switzerland as a production location.