Austria prioritises medical supply security
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In Austria, manufacturers, importers, and retailers of medical products ensure around 750,000 items, from blood sugar meters to pacemakers, reach patients in homes, ambulances, doctor’s offices, and hospitals.
These companies have a defined responsibility under European medical device regulations to maintain a safe and reliable supply. A functioning supply chain requires steps from sourcing raw materials to delivering products to patients.
Alexander Hayn, head of the medical device trade at the Vienna Economic Chamber, stated that a stable and controlled supply chain significantly contributes to patient safety and healthcare security. He emphasized that quality, safety, availability, and traceability are crucial, not just cost efficiency. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly demand for items like masks and ventilators can surge while production and transport face disruptions.
Austrian medical device companies responded by increasing production, finding new suppliers, and coordinating with hospitals, authorities, and logistics companies. Diagnostic companies quickly developed new tests, and manufacturers expanded capacity for protective equipment. As a result, Austria largely avoided shortages. Companies are now building more resilient supply chains with increased reserves, multiple sources, and long-term planning to address ongoing challenges like the war in Ukraine and global economic instability.
