26 June saw the release finally of the UK government’s official response to the MHRA’s 2021 consultation on its post-Brexit medical devices regulatory framework. The considered response, held up by political and internal timing issues, represents an implementation plan for reform of the system. Crucially it allows industry extra compliance time.

In its just-released real-world evidence framework, NICE assesses the role and value of data collected outside highly-controlled clinical studies in driving more innovation towards health care professionals.

Ukraine’s medical supply needs have evolved since Russia launched its military invasion of the country on 24 February. EU healthcare decision makers and the medical technology industry have since stood firm in their support of the besieged country, said MedTech Europe’s Jesús Rueda.

The role and purpose of medical device regulation is now better understood than at any time in its history, and regulators are no longer seen as gatekeepers preventing business from happening. In Vivo Rising Leader 2022 Graeme Tunbridge, formerly at the MHRA and now a senior VP at BSI, is a champion of the climate of inclusivity.

Teething troubles including staffing issues and a hold-up in the progress of the post-Brexit medical devices statutory instruments have beset the UK MHRA as it transforms to a new lifecycle-based regulatory agency that puts primacy on patient safety. But there is much to celebrate, says chief executive June Raine.

Royal Philips’ seventh annual Future Health Index report paints a picture of health care systems in mid-transformation but cautions that digital tools must fully serve health care practitioners and not add to their daily burden.