HEALTH-CARE TECHNOLOGY IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW-ZEALAND - CONTRASTS AND COOPERATION

Australia and New Zealand are neighbouring countries with similarities due to their settlement by Europeans, but with major differences in their economies, populations, geography and political systems. These differences have led to contrasting approaches to the introduction and control of health care technologies. New Zealand has historically had greater success in limiting the use of health technologies which have often been adopted more widely and rapidly in Australia. Recent initiatives in health technology assessment have involved participation by both countries, giving the potential for a joint approach to policy formulation on use of some medical devices and procedures. © 1989.