The shortage of chip technology occurs at a moment when healthcare professionals. Under greater pressure due to ageing populations as well as the rising incidence of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the number of patients, as well as an ever-growing shortage of healthcare professionals.
A lot of us have felt the consequences of this stress like long waiting periods. And the effect on those who have to manage the workload. Although the digital revolution in healthcare may reduce pressure and solve the multitude of challenges. That face us in strengthening and improving health systems for the benefit of patients, caregivers and the entire community. It’s largely dependent on systems and technologies that require chips. In turn, we have to prevent a situation in which a chip shortage impedes this change.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed and, in some cases, exacerbated the health issues. However, it showed how technology advances can help create more efficient and efficient care delivery. For instance, developments in virtual care and intelligent technology. Allow care teams to track and treat patients outside the walls of a hospital.
Technology advancements can create a new future for healthcare. Where we can concentrate more on home health and preventative care. Where a diagnostic procedure is more specific, and treatment is more specific and prescriptive.
We would like to ensure that everyone has access to the medical treatment they require at the time and place they require it. And that healthcare professionals can concentrate on providing care to patients, instead of focusing on increasing administrative tasks. This the hope offered by the latest technologies and systems.
The Medical Technology Sector
Philips has been in constant talks with the major chip makers regarding how to respond to requirements and working. With government as well as other stakeholders the medical technology industry is certainly not standing waiting to get more chips. Yet, despite a lot of effort to ensure the supply of chips maintained however, the difficulties growing. In some instances, the lead times have risen to 52 weeks or more.
In the meantime, increasing numbers of people seeking medical treatment which delayed or delayed because of the pandemic. It could take years for a lot of healthcare facilities to deal with the huge backlog of patients. And when they are able to prioritize this.
It will only boost the need for medical equipment. And consequently the need for more medical devices and, consequently, more chips. Furthermore, the global increase in chip demand expected to nearly double between 2021-2028. Leading to massive shortages of chips in a variety of industries.
Unfortunately, the medical technology sector is in competition with the industrial. Automotive, and consumer sectors for a small supply of essential chips. Because of the requirement for these for the medical technology industry. Which just one percent of all available chips, we demand that chip allocations to prioritized at a level. That allows companies to satisfy the medical device production demands that currently being met.
Resolving The Issue Of Chip Shortages
It is imperative to take action now to secure semiconductors so that we can maintain the availability of medical devices and systems. devices and systems, and to keep improving the quality of healthcare. Philips works closely with the larger healthcare technology sector to enhance the transparency of market supply and to emphasize the need to get these chips today.
Additionally, association of medical tech companies is working closely with lawmakers, government officials as well as the wider business community to find the best long-term solution for ensuring an ongoing supply of chip semiconductors.
To highlight the critical nature of the chip shortage and highlighting the importance of the shortage, the European Commission has issued a suggestion that Member States to address these shortages as soon as possible and work with chip makers to prioritize critical areas like healthcare.
It is also important to note that the United States government has also recognized the effects of the shortage of chips on patients and is currently in discussions with the industry about prioritizing medical technology in the first place.
Due to the serious shortage of chips and the resulting shortage of semiconductors, I call on semiconductor makers and their suppliers to prioritize the use of medical devices. The objective is to increase the availability of chip for the industry essential to ensuring the health and well-being of the population around the world right now and in the coming years in the future.