ANDHealth, Australia’s leading digital and connected health commercialisation organisation, has congratulated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their re-election victory.

Chief Executive Officer, Bronwyn Le Grice, highlighted the important role health played in the campaign and encouraged the Government to capitalise on the opportunity and critical role digital health innovation can play in shaping Australia’s future.

“We congratulate Prime Minister Albanese and his team on this result. We welcome the campaign policies to improve access and efficiency to health care for all Australians through improved telehealth and welcome discussing the broader impact digital and connected health technologies, products and services could have,” Ms Le Grice said.

“The digital health sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a 60% compound annual growth rate since 2018 and a 76% increase in the number of companies since 2022. This sector is poised to create a new economic and health future for Australia,” said Ms Le Grice.

As the government embarks on its second term, ANDHealth urges policymakers to prioritise the six key election priorities previously outlined by the organisation to ensure the continued growth and global competitiveness of Australia’s digital health sector:

  • Implement Specialised Public Sector Funding Programs to “Crowd-In” Private Sector Investment
        “Sustained investment and targeted public sector funding are essential to unlock private capital and support early-stage digital health companies, many of whom still face significant commercialisation challenges,” Ms Le Grice noted.
  • Prioritise Procurement of Australian Innovation
        “By prioritising local innovation in government procurement, we can drive economic impact and create export opportunities, ensuring Australian-developed solutions reach patients both here and abroad,” she said.
  • Establish Investment Capabilities Powered by Domain Expertise
        “Investment decisions must be informed by deep domain expertise to ensure that capital is directed towards technologies with the greatest potential for health and economic impact,” Ms Le Grice added.
  • Create a National System of Verification and Accreditation of Digital Health Applications
        “A robust, national accreditation system will build trust in digital health solutions and accelerate their adoption across the healthcare system,” she emphasised.
  • Improve Health Technology Assessment and Reimbursement Pathways
        “Clearer and more effective reimbursement pathways are vital for innovative technologies to reach market and deliver on their promise to transform healthcare delivery and outcomes,” Ms Le Grice said.
  • Whole-of-Government Approaches to Policy Development
        “A coordinated, whole-of-government approach is needed to ensure that policy, funding, and regulation work together to foster innovation and improve health outcomes for all Australians,” Ms Le Grice concluded.

 

ANDHealth stands ready to work with the Albanese Government to deliver on these priorities and ensure that Australia’s digital health sector continues to thrive, driving better health outcomes and economic prosperity.

“With the right policy settings, investment, and collaboration, Australia can continue to outperform on the global digital health innovation stage. We look forward to partnering with the Government to make this vision a reality,” said Ms Le Grice.

‍