16 March 2012

Continuity vital in reform process, says Health IT industry group

Reform of government agencies tasked with supporting innovation and growth in the economy announced yesterday has been welcomed by the industry group representing the Health information technology sector, the New Zealand Health IT Cluster.

“We support in principle the creation of an enlarged agency to provide a comprehensive, unified focus for government across economic development, science and innovation and industry development,” NZ Health It Cluster Chief Executive Dougal McKechnie said today.

“We enjoy a good relationship with the existing agencies and remain committed to working in partnership with the new agency as it emerges from the reform process to support a vibrant and internationally competitive health IT industry, both domestically and abroad.”

“Our industry comprises around 200 local and offshore companies with total New Zealand revenues of around $450 million and offshore revenues in the region of $175 million per annum, which we aim to double to $350 million per annum by 2015.”

Mr McKechnie said New Zealand enjoys a strong international reputation for the adoption and use of information and communication technologies in the management and delivery of healthcare services and that this has spawned a vibrant and dynamic group of companies providing innovative solutions and services.

“The Cluster takes a collaborative approach to issues affecting the industry and has identified a lack of capacity and capability as one of our biggest barriers to innovation and growth, and we are hopeful these reforms to influential government agencies will help accelerate our industry toward achieving our growth targets sooner.”

Mr McKechnie sounded a note of caution however, highlighting the need to ensure the reform process does not result in the existing agencies taking their eye off the ball and compromise their quality of service.

“Our hope is that the mechanics of creating a single agency does not detract from the good work that is already underway, and further builds on existing successes,” Mr McKechnie said.

ENDS

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