Health secretary Wes Streeting has outlined plans to transform Britain into a global leader in the life sciences and medical technology sector.
Speaking at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change’s ‘Future of Britain’ conference on July 9, 2024, Streeting emphasized the potential for the UK to become a hub for innovation in healthcare.
He highlighted the importance of integrating the expertise of the country’s life sciences and MedTech industries with the NHS to drive advancements in patient care and medical technology.
Streeting also discussed Labour’s manifesto commitments to enhance diagnostic services through the introduction of AI-enabled scanners and reduce waiting times by investing in public health initiatives.
In response to Streeting’s vision, Peter Ellingworth of the British Association of British HealthTech Industries stressed the need for strategic measures to support the growth of the MedTech sector and maintain the UK’s competitive edge.
Streeting’s appointment as health secretary on July 5 signaled a new direction for healthcare policy, with a focus on addressing the challenges facing the NHS and driving innovation in the sector.
With the recent appointments of key figures in healthcare leadership roles, including Baroness Gillian Merron and Andrew Gwynne, the government is poised to lead the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery in the country.
At a recent event, Streeting called for a more agile approach to implementing technological solutions in healthcare and emphasized the need for a culture of innovation to drive progress in the sector.
