Media release from MedTech Global

Medtech Global is disappointed that a professional health technology provider has chosen to take what amounts to a commercial disagreement into the public arena.

Statements HealthLink has made about Medtech are without foundation. The statement that an increase in fees by Medtech will add between $4 million - $8 million in costs to the health sector are wrong.

HealthLink says it is asking the Commerce Commission to look into the matter. Medtech will happily cooperate should the Commerce Commission decide to investigate.

Medtech Chairman Vino Ramayah says the background to the issue is that HealthLink and Medtech have a successful commercial relationship that goes back 15 years. HealthLink currently has 100% of the health sector messaging market. Medtech is the market leader in practice management software in New Zealand.

Recently HealthLink asked Medtech to join it in a commercial bid for an open tender Mr Ramayah says that joint bid would have seen HealthLink's messaging system used should the joint bid have won the contract.

Medtech told HealthLink it is unable to support the proposed HealthLink centralised architecture that restricts choice in terms of messaging carrier for its customers.

HealthLink currently accesses Medtech's practice management systems through GPs. HealthLink then sends hundreds of messages daily between GP's and other healthcare providers and suppliers such as specialists and laboratories.

This system is not affected by the current dispute and GPs should have no concern that the current messaging system will be disrupted. HealthLink's suggestion Medtech will block its access to medical records is wrong.

Mr Ramayah says the dispute is about pricing relating to the tender. Medtech stands by the confidential pricing that it provided to HealthLink in order for it to bid for the tender.