Launch of the joint working group “Defense, Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Medical Technology” (AG VZKM) of GHA – German Health Alliance and SPECTARIS
A joint initiative of SPECTARIS and GHA – German Health Alliance
Berlin, November 11, 2025 The German Health Alliance (GHA) and the medical technology sector within the German industry association SPECTARIS have jointly established the working group "Defense, Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Medical Technology" (AG VZKM). This new initiative responds to growing security policy challenges and the need to make medical infrastructure resilient in crisis situations.
Pandemics, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and structural changes in the healthcare system have exposed the limitations of existing care structures. The working group's goal is therefore to better integrate medical technology innovations, digital technologies, and mobility concepts with civilian, military, and governmental structures, and to provide the industry with an institutionalized platform for exchange.
“The resilience of our healthcare system has long since become a core security policy task. The establishment of the AG VZKM is an important step in bringing together different stakeholders, making innovations visible and developing concrete solutions for emergencies,” said Heike Lange, Head MedTec of the GHA – German Health Alliance.
The working group sees itself as a practice-oriented think tank that – complementing existing bodies – drives forward concrete projects and unlocks innovation potential. The dual-use concept is central to this: medical technology should be flexibly deployable and scalable in both civilian and military contexts.
“Germany needs to be better prepared for crises. This requires closer collaboration between the medical technology industry, politics, and users. The AG VZKM aims to act as a bridge builder here and develop targeted solutions for the challenges of our time,” explains Marcus Kuhlmann, Head of Medical Technology at SPECTARIS.
The working group plans, among other things:
- Pilot projects in mobile health protection in cooperation with authorities and aid organizations
- Dialogue formats with policymakers and users to connect needs and solutions.
- Position papers on the role of the MedTech industry in national crisis preparedness
- Mapping of dual-use potentials of existing products
- Development of a funding strategy for innovations in a crisis context
The working group is led by the two spokespersons Aleksandar Smiljanic (KARL STORZ) and David Pahl (Bremedic Trade & Consulting).
“Medical technology plays a key role in crises – from modular hospitals to robotic assistance. Our task is to bundle these solutions, develop them further and make them practical,” says Aleksandar Smiljanic.
“The key is to make innovations ready for use quickly and to test them together with users. Only in this way can a resilient ecosystem be created that works in an emergency,” adds David Pahl.
The AG VZKM is aimed at industry, clinics, authorities, aid organizations and network partners – including university and Bundeswehr hospitals, THW, DRK and other relevant stakeholders.
With the founding of the AG VZKM, GHA and SPECTARIS are strengthening the role of medical technology as a system-relevant partner in times of crisis – going beyond the classic supply function to actively shaping a resilient healthcare system.
About the GHA – German Health Alliance
The GHA – German Health Alliance is an initiative of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and is aimed at internationally active companies and organizations in the healthcare sector. The GHA offers its members comprehensive market information, facilitates the articulation of their interests through position papers, supports projects, and provides a protected environment for exchanging ideas with top-level experts.
Press contact GHA
Lara Petersen
l.petersen@gha.bdi.eu
Tel .: 030 - 2028-1536
About SPECTARIS
SPECTARIS is the German industry association for optics, photonics, analytical and medical technology, representing 400 predominantly medium-sized German companies. Of these, the SPECTARIS Medical Technology division represents approximately 130 manufacturers and suppliers in the medical technology sector, as well as providers of assistive devices and homecare services in the field of respiratory home therapy.
Press contact SPECTARIS
Christof Weingärtner
weingaertner@spectaris.de
Tel .: 030 - 4140-2166