Brussels, 12 February 2010 - Eucomed, the European Medical Technology Industry Association, welcomes the appointment of Nils Behrndt as Deputy Head of Cabinet within Commissioner Dalli's team, where he will be responsible for medical devices as one of serveral healthcare industry and policy areas.
Mr Behrndt previously worked in the cabinet of former Commission Vice-President Verheugen where he was already responsible for the medical devices and pharmaceuticals sectors. Speaking from Paris today, Eucomed’s Chief Executive, John Wilkinson stated that "he and Eucomed are very much looking forward to working again with Mr Behrndt and to continue our fruitful and constructive cooperation, particularly on the next phase of the Commission’s Exploratory Process, which Mr Behrndt helped launch."
As to the future structure of DG SANCO, to Eucomed 's knowledge there is no plan to put medical devices under the same roof as pharmaceuticals. Eucomed is convinced that Commissioner Dalli is fully aware of the specific characteristics of the two sectors and hence the need for tailored approaches in terms of policy and regulation.
Eucomed is the Voice of the medical technology industry in Europe. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 4500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry invests some €5.8 billion in R&D and employs near to 530,000 highly skilled workers. The mission of Eucomed is to improve patient and clinician access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology.
Mark Grossien
Director Communications and External Affairs
mark.grossien(at)eucomed(dot)be
+32 (0)2.775.92.24
