17 Oct 2020

Study to explore export opportunities for health technology

5:39 pm on 17 October 2020

A nationwide health technology study which focuses on the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders has been launched by New Zealand Health IT.

Iv Drip in hospital corridor

File photo. Photo: 123rf

Chief executive, Scott Arrol, said the study was not going to be another tech report that focuses on "bits and bytes" but rather one with New Zealanders as the primary focus.

"The health and wellbeing of New Zealanders is essential and we'll be highlighting how important it is to understand their needs first."

He said the study will be underpinned by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The study will look at future export opportunities for the health-tech sector, which has exported technology for 20 years. Arrol said the country has major growth potential because global investors are interested in developed countries that demonstrate continuous innovation.

"Public and private working together can create a multi-billion dollar health-tech export sector over the next 10 years."

He said health-tech is a fast growing industry, which has been made clear since the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic.

The study will be contained in a report that will be presented to the minister of health, key health stakeholders and the public.

Arrol said NZ Health IT is looking forward to working with the newly elected government.

The study will be completed by the end of February next year.

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