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Union Govt to Establish New Resource Centers for Health Technology Assessment

Written by : Jayati Dubey

January 22, 2025

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AFMC Pune Health Technology Assessment Resource Centre inaugurated Sept, 2024. Source: X (twitter)

The Department of Health Research (DHR) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a notice inviting expressions of interest from institutes capable of hosting such centers.

The Union government is set to establish additional Health Technology Assessment Resource (HTAR) centers across India to evaluate the science, financial, social, and ethical dimensions of emerging health technologies, including medicines and medical devices, as reported by Mint.

The move aims to provide policymakers with evidence-based insights into the suitability and cost-effectiveness of new healthcare interventions, enabling informed decision-making in the sector.

These centers, to be operational by FY26, will focus on disseminating findings on the clinical effectiveness, safety, and economic viability of health technologies. 

They will also organize training programs, workshops, and online courses to build capacity among professionals working in state and central government health programs.

Role of HTAR Centres

The HTAR centers will serve as critical nodes for conducting Health Technology Assessments (HTA), which evaluate health interventions for their cost-effectiveness, clinical efficacy, and impact on equity. 

The Department of Health Research (DHR) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a notice inviting expressions of interest from institutes capable of hosting such centers.

“HTA studies, capacity-building activities like workshops, and sensitization programs for government health initiatives will be key responsibilities of these centers,” the DHR stated.

The initiative is aligned with the government’s objective to make healthcare more accessible and efficient by ensuring the judicious use of limited health budgets. 

It also aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures for citizens while maintaining high standards of care.

Existing Framework & Impact

India’s journey in HTA began with the establishment of the Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) office in May 2023. HTAIn analyzes health interventions such as medicines, devices, and health programs for their suitability and cost-effectiveness. 

The evidence-based approach has since informed policymaking to ensure safe, effective, and affordable healthcare.

According to the government, health technology encompasses diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, devices, and digital solutions aimed at improving the quality of life. 

Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Indian Medical Association, Cochin, emphasized the significance of HTA, stating, “An evidence-based approach is essential to ensure that new health technologies are safe, cost-effective, and beneficial for India’s population. Without HTA, it would be difficult to validate the relevance of new developments.”

The existing HTAR centers, located in premier institutions like IIT Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur, and the National Institute of Virology Pune, have already contributed significantly by producing policy briefs on crucial health issues, including cervical cancer screening, intraocular lenses, and syringe safety.

Boost for Research & Innovation

HTA is also expected to bolster the government’s “Make in India” initiative by encouraging local research and development in health technologies.

These centers will assess the efficacy and cost-benefit of indigenous solutions, including medical devices and diagnostic tools, fostering innovation and self-reliance in the healthcare sector.

Jayadevan highlighted the demographic advantage of India, where over half the population is under 28.6 years of age, as a potential resource pool for healthcare research and innovation. 

“The HTA centers can inspire young researchers to contribute to the development of affordable, high-quality health technologies,” he said.

Health Technology Sector Gains Momentum

India’s health technology sector has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Valued at approximately $10.6 billion in 2022, the market is projected to grow to $21.3 billion by 2025, driven by increasing government investment in healthcare infrastructure and the demand for advanced healthcare solutions.

The government has called for applications from interested institutes with the requisite research capabilities and resources to establish new HTAR centers. The deadline for submission is February 15, 2025.

By expanding the HTA framework, the government aims to create a robust system that supports evidence-based healthcare policies, fosters innovation and ensures equitable access to quality healthcare for all.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.


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