GHTF disbands, new org to exclude industry

The Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF), a collaborative organization between regulators and medical imaging and health IT manufacturers from North America, Europe and Japan, has disbanded after a 19-year stint.

According to a statement published on the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance’s (MITA) website, the international body has broken up to reorganize itself to the exclusion of industry representatives. GHTF’s steering committee had included members and support from MITA, Japan Industries Association of Radiological Systems (JIRA) and the European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical and Healcthcare IT Industry (COCIR).

GHTF’s successor, which is only in the planning phase, will broaden its representation to include additional member states beyond the three regions previously encompassed. In a joint statement, MITA, JIRA and COCIR said they "sincerely regret" the organization’s termination, while maintaining their vision for single-body international device approval and advocacy for reduced regulations.

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