Navigating the Global Landscape of Medical Device Associations: A Top-Down Overview from RAPS to MDMA

Medical device member associations serve as industry bodies representing manufacturers and suppliers of medical technologies. They advocate for the sector in the country or region they represent, by promoting healthcare innovation, and engaging with regulators and policymakers. 

Their aim is to shape healthcare policies, support members with regulatory compliance, and foster collaboration within the industry.

While associations share common goals, most differ in structure and focus across countries. 

In larger markets like the US, associations tend to be more specialised, with separate bodies for different device categories. Smaller nations often have single associations covering the entire medical device sector. European associations frequently coordinate efforts at both national and EU levels.

Funding models vary, with some relying on membership fees and others receiving government support. Regulatory engagement also differs. Associations in countries with established frameworks focus on refining existing rules, while those in emerging markets work to develop new regulatory systems.

The scope of services offered by such associations ranges from providing market intelligence to organising trade shows, reflecting the specific needs of their members and the maturity of their respective markets.

10 Irish Medical Devices Association 

Leader: Eoghan O’Faolain
Country: Republic of Ireland
Headquartered in Dublin, the IMDA represents the medical technology sector in Ireland and specialises in lobbying, networking, training and events. The association aims to promote sustainable development and support profitable growth of multinational and local medical device and diagnostic companies.

09 Japan Federation of Medical Devices Associations

Country: Japan
Leader: Yasuhiro Fujiwara
JFMDA has 21 members that represent 4,280 companies, as well as a further 140 individual companies registered as supporting members. Founded in 1984, JFMDA liaises between industries and the government, expanding its scale and activities. JFMDA has contributed to the improvement of Japan’s healthcare. 

08 Association of British HealthTech Industries

Country: UK
Leader: Peter Ellingworth
The ABHI is the UK’s leading health technology trade association. With 275 members, it  supports the health technology community to provide products and services that help people live healthier lives. Its  work is focused on showing the value of HealthTech and encouraging a healthy environment for economic growth.

07 Swiss Medtech 

Country: Switzerland
Leader: Damian Müller 
MüllerBased in Bern, Swiss Medtech was established in 2017 and represents over 750 companies and 67,500 employees. The group is committed to building an environment in which ‘medical technology can deliver top performance for the benefit of first-class medical care’. As an industry association, Swiss Medtech is the first point of contact for all matters in the Swiss medtech industry.

06 Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association

Country: Singapore
Leader: Stephen Morse
Based in Singapore and founded in 2014, APACMed represents the medical technology sector in the Asia-Pacific. Ensuring patient-centric care is APACMed’s mission, as it works proactively with bilateral, regional and local government bodies to build better policies, demonstrate the importance of innovation and promote regulatory convergence.