FAQ

HTAIn stands for Health Technology Assessment in India. It is an attached office of the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Its goal is to evaluate and assess health technologies, such as medical devices, drugs, procedures, and public health programs, to inform evidence-based healthcare decisions and policies.

HTAIn's primary goal is to ensure that health technologies in India are affordable and beneficial to patients. HTAIn aims to inform decision-making for the efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Promote universal healthcare and cost-effective health interventions; and ensure that all citizens have equal access to high-quality healthcare services.

HTAIn evaluates a wide range of health technologies, including:

• Medical devices (e.g., diagnostic tools, surgical instruments)
• Medicines and pharmaceuticals
• Clinical procedures (e.g., surgeries, treatments)
• Public health interventions (e.g., immunization programs, screening initiatives)

IThe results from HTAIn assessments are primarily used by:

• Policy-makers at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and other government agencies.
• State and central governments for decisions on healthcare resource allocation.
• Healthcare providers and hospital administrators for making decisions about adopting or discontinuing health technologies.
• Insurance providers for decisions about coverage and reimbursement of health technologies.

HTAIn seeks to identify technologies and interventions that provide the best health outcomes at the lowest cost. By conducting cost-effectiveness analyses, HTAIn assists the government in determining how to allocate limited healthcare resources to maximise population health benefits.

HTAIn plays an important role in achieving Universal Health Coverage by identifying cost-effective interventions that improve health outcomes. Helping to prioritise healthcare technologies that are affordable, accessible, and effective. Supporting evidence-based policy decisions that improve the quality of healthcare, particularly for underserved and marginalised populations.

HTAIn plays an important role in Ayushman Bharat by guiding decisions regarding health technologies covered by the scheme. The assessments contribute to ensuring that the treatments and interventions included in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) are effective, safe, and affordable, thereby maximising the program's impact.

The HTAIn process typically includes the following steps:

• Topic Identification and Prioritization: Identifying key health technologies or interventions that need evaluation.
• Evidence Review: Systematic review of scientific literature, clinical trials, and cost-effectiveness studies.
• Stakeholder Consultation: Engaging with experts, clinicians, patients, and public health officials.
• Analysis and Evaluation: Assessing the clinical effectiveness, economic implications, and ethical considerations of the health technology.
• Recommendations: Providing evidence-based recommendations to policy-makers for decision-making.

Stakeholders are integral to HTAIn's processes, which include:

• Clinicians and medical experts, who provide insights into the clinical effectiveness of health technologies.
• Patients and patient advocacy groups, who help assess the societal and ethical impacts.
• Industry partners and manufacturers, who may provide data on the performance and availability of new technologies.
• Public health experts, who help contextualize the broader population-level impacts of health technologies.

While both HTAIn and regulatory bodies like the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) play crucial roles in the healthcare system, their functions differ:

• HTAIn focuses on evaluating the cost-effectiveness, safety, and overall impact of health technologies, providing evidence for policy-making.
• CDSCO is responsible for the regulation and approval of drugs, medical devices, and clinical trials, ensuring safety, efficacy, and quality.

Stakeholders, including healthcare providers, government agencies, and public health experts, can submit proposals for the assessment of specific health technologies through HTAIn’s formal submission channels. Detailed guidelines and submission formats are available on the HTAIn website.