On March 16, 2026, UEHP participated in the high-level conference “Medical Devices: Innovation and Patient Safety”, hosted by the European Commission. Held under the auspices of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council, the event served as a critical forum for discussing the legislative landscape following the landmark adoption of the proposal to revise the MDR and IVDR regulations on December 16, 2025.
The conference featured a keynote address by Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, who emphasized the dual necessity of ensuring the highest standards of patient safety while fostering a competitive environment for medical innovation.
For UEHP and its members, this balance is vital. As private hospitals continue to be the primary adopters of cutting-edge medical technology, the transition to a more predictable and flexible regulatory framework is essential to maintaining excellence in patient care.
Several thematic sessions that directly impact hospital management and clinical outcomes were organised. In particular:
- Predictability in conformity assessments: discussions focused on creating a more streamlined path for the certification of medical devices. UEHP advocates for a system that reduces administrative bottlenecks without compromising safety, ensuring that innovative tools reach our operating rooms and wards without unnecessary delays.
- Integrating breakthrough technologies: a dedicated session explored how to turn guidance into clinical reality for breakthrough technologies. UEHP remains committed to integrating digital health solutions and AI-driven diagnostics into sustainable care pathways.
- Transparency through EUDAMED: the conference provided updates on the European Database on Medical Devices (EUDAMED). UEHP views this as a cornerstone for post-market surveillance, allowing hospitals to better track device performance and enhance patient protection.
The participation of UEHP in this high-level dialogue reaffirms our role as a strategic partner in the European Health Union. As the legislative implementation progresses, UEHP will continue to represent the interests of private hospitals, ensuring that the voice of healthcare providers is heard in the pursuit of a safer, more innovative Europe.
For more information on the conference outcomes and to view the recorded sessions, visit the European Commission’s DG SANTE event page.
