German medical tech firms see PHL as good fit for telehealth

THE PHILIPPINES is now on the radar of German medical technology companies as trade disruptions push them to develop untapped markets, the German Health Alliance (GHA) said.

“Due to the geopolitical situation, Germany is more focused on diversification and trying to enter different markets,” GHA Senior Manager Rajani Sabanantham told ����ý on the sidelines of the German-Philippine Conference on Medical Technology and Digital Health.

Ms. Sabanantham is part of the German delegation to the Philippines, which will be in the country until May 9. The delegation comprises German small and medium enterprises making medical technology and digital health products.

“We, the German industry, and the government are open to entering Asian markets. A lot of representatives from the government have participated in delegations to these countries. The Philippines is one of the most interesting countries, and that is one of the reasons why we are here,” she said.

She cited strong demand for medical technology and digital health in the Philippines, as gleaned from the delegation’s hospital visits.

“I heard about a lot of modernization, infrastructure projects, and investments in healthcare in the Philippines, which (makes it), I think, a good time for the German healthcare industry to enter this market,” she said.

“And also because you have a lot of islands, digital solutions, telemedicine, and other digital health solutions will be a great opportunity, especially for our German companies,” she added.

She said very little is known about the Philippine market in Germany, a situation which calls for more exchanges between the two countries.

“One of the most important advantages in collaborating with your country is all the young people are skilled and can speak English. Most of the Asian countries are difficult to enter because of the language barrier,” she said.

On Tuesday, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) hosted the conference together with the Medical Device Association of the Philippines, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc., and the Healthcare Technology Association of the Philippines.

“Digital health and medical technology are powerful enablers for healthcare transformation,” GPCCI Deputy Executive Director Charlotte Bandelow said.

“We are proud to provide a platform where German innovation and Philippine healthcare priorities can meet. We arranged around 50 business-to-business meetings to initiate concrete cooperation,” she added.

The companies in the delegation include 3di GmbH, Bavarian Institute for Age- and Dementia-sensitive Architecture, Clinaris GmbH, fracto GERDES GBR, INOSOLVE GmbH, kimetec GmbH, Oehm und Rehbein GmbH, and VISUS Health IT GmbH.

“We see tremendous potential for German companies to contribute to the Philippine healthcare system, particularly in diagnostics, telehealth, and hospital technology,” GPCCI President Marie Antoniette Mariano said.

“This mission reflects Germany’s commitment to building lasting partnerships in sectors with real impact,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile