IBMS response to Covid Module 2 report

The report offers a significant opportunity to strengthen the UK’s approach to future health emergencies by addressing gaps in preparedness, improving coordination across the system and recognising the expertise required to deliver an effective response.

In response to the report, IBMS Chief Executive David Wells said:

The Module 2 report's findings reinforce the urgent need to strengthen the UK's preparedness for future health emergencies. It's acknowledgement of the importance of expanded testing capacity and meaningful collaboration with sector experts to underpin and enable swift and decisive action by decision makers is very welcome. However, the pivotal role of the biomedical workforce in delivering this must be recognised.

Given the central role IBMS members played in delivering diagnostics and supporting innovation throughout the pandemic, their specialist expertise must be integrated at the heart of future preparedness planning. The IBMS stands ready to provide the insight and experience of its more than 20,000 members to support the Inquiry’s recommendations and establish a more resilient and prepared public health system.