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Medical Technology Hurricane Relief Efforts Top $24 Million; HHS Requests Medical Supplies for More Than 10,000 Hospital Beds


WEBWIRE

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 -- AdvaMed reports that its member companies so far have contributed in excess of $24 million in medical supplies and cash to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Moreover, in coordination with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), AdvaMed and its member companies have stepped in to facilitate the collection and distribution of much needed medical supplies to assist relief efforts along the Gulf coast. These supplies are critical to the physicians in the field, allowing them to treat hurricane victims’ current conditions and help prevent further disease.

Under emergency preparedness plans put in place following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, AdvaMed is the official representative for the medical technology industry to HHS in the event of a terrorist incident or natural disaster. For the current crisis, HHS requested AdvaMed work with its member companies to provide medical supplies to furnish facilities that will accommodate more than 10,000 emergency hospital beds.

Medical technology firms are providing supplies ranging from the most basic hospital items, such as bandages, surgical instruments and examination gloves, to sophisticated medical equipment, for example, portable automatic external defibrillators. HHS’ medical supply needs are expected to change as the current health care crisis evolves from one of emergency response to providing longer-term care for hurricane victims.

“We are proud to do our part in the effort to help the victims of the terrible devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina,” said AdvaMed President Stephen J. Ubl. “The medical technology industry will provide whatever assistance we can to alleviate the suffering now and in the weeks and months to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this tragedy.”

AdvaMed is the world’s largest association representing manufacturers of medical devices, diagnostic products, and medical information systems. AdvaMed’s more than 1,300 members and subsidiaries manufacture nearly 90 percent of the $75 billion of health care technology products purchased annually in the United States, and more than 50 percent of the $175 billion purchased annually around the world. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. More than 70 percent of our members have less than $30 million in domestic sales annually.



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