![[Translate to Englisch:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/5/d/csm_Header_Partnerland_Irland_0410010b73.jpg)
![[Translate to Englisch:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/2/6/csm_Header_Partnerland_Irland_2023_19b1d88cd9.jpg)
Ireland is the partner country of the 18th National Conference on Health Economy. As in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the health economy is one of the country's defining sectors on the "Emerald Isle".
Ireland has a dual health system that includes both private and public health services. The public health system in Ireland is administered by a state agency, the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Irish budget for healthcare in 2022 was 21 billion €. The country has 48 public hospitals organised into seven hospital groups. There are also 21 private hospitals represented by the Private Hospital Association (PHA).
Due to the increasing demand in both care sectors, the investment and growth figures of the Irish healthcare industry are steadily increasing. One of the factors driving the demand for private care - in addition to the shift in age structure - is the proportion of the population that is privately insured. 47.6 % of the total population in Ireland has private health insurance. This creates market opportunities for high-end products.
In May 2021, the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023 was approved by the Irish Government. The strategy sets out the priorities and actions to abolish the country's current two-tier healthcare system and replace it with a universal healthcare model based on the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Sláintecare's shared vision is to introduce a universal health and social care system in which everyone has equal access to services based on need rather than ability to pay, and to deliver safe, high-quality health and social care services that meet the needs of a growing population and attract and retain the best doctors, managers and health workers.
In order to maintain the current positive development trend of the healthcare industry in the future and to improve the efficiency of the Irish healthcare system, government investment will increase strongly in the coming years.
Ireland is also an important location for medical technology companies. The sector consists of 450 companies - four out of five of which are SMEs - and employs 48,000 people, making Ireland Europe's largest medical technology employer per capita. Ireland is the second largest exporter of medical devices in Europe, with exports of more than 12.7 billion € annually. This is due to the strong and growing base of Irish owned and operated SMEs, many of which are supported by Enterprise Ireland, and a world-class presence of foreign direct investment promoted by IDA Ireland. 14 of the world's top 15 medical technology companies are based in Ireland and operate in the cardio/neurovascular, orthopaedic, diagnostic, vision, hospital products and digital health sectors. Ireland's excellent reputation in medtech is due to its proven track record and innovation, largely supported by government incentives such as the research and development tax credit. 75 % of Ireland-based medtech companies are engaged in research and development.
The expansion of digital health solutions and e-health will also be accelerated in the coming years. To this end, the Irish government is currently working on the creation of a new Digital Health Strategic Framework, which is an important aspect of the 2021-2023 Action Plan. One of the main objectives of the new framework is to use modern technology-based solutions such as telemedicine to improve the health and well-being of the population, increase the efficiency of the healthcare system and exploit economic opportunities.
Similar to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Ireland has a diverse research and innovation landscape as well as the challenge of serving people in rural areas. There is healthy research collaboration between Ireland and Germany in MedTech/e-Health, including biomedicine, and we are seeking closer collaboration in the health industry through the 18th National Conference on Health Economy.
Irish companies at #Health2023: Innovation and collaboration for a sustainable future
The Clinical Research Platform (CRP) is an Irish Research Organization; Enabling Clinicians in Ireland and the UK participate in Clinical Research opportunities.
Gasgon Medical is the manufacturer of AirVault®, a closed system air trap intended to remove air bubbles from IV infusions, resulting in fewer pump alarms, less risk, less maintenance of the IV and improved therapy times.
PMD Solutions´s focus is on the prevention of Respiratory Failure, by enhancing the acute monitoring of respiratory patients at hospital admission, leading to reduced length of stay and improved patient outcomes, while, in the community setting, preventing the re-admissions of patients with severe COPD. The method to achieve both outcomes is through the use of motion-tolerant and continuous respiratory rate monitoring, which has been shown to detect changes in breathing patterns 12hrs earlier than oxygen desaturation or cardiopulmonary deterioration. Enabling the right care for the right patient at the right time, all by making every breath count.
Vitalograph is headquartered in Ennis, Ireland with offices in Germany, England, USA and Japan. Vitalograph specialises in high quality spirometers and medical respiratory monitors. The products aid in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases and are used by healthcare professionals and occupational health professionals worldwide. The company also supports clinical trials for some of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology and contract research organisations.