Why in News?
The third “International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA 2025)” was recently held in New Delhi.
- ISHTA – Is an annual conference that gathers experts to discuss new research and developments in Health Technology Assessment (HTA).
- Aim – The symposium focuses on bridging evidence and policy through effective HTA.
- It marked a significant step towards a robust Indian healthcare system.
- Vision – Emphasized on a holistic healthcare approach encompassing preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care.
- Organized by – The Department of Health Research (DHR) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) India Country Office and
- The Centre for Global Development (CGD).
- Theme – “Bridging Evidence to Policy: Health Technology Assessment for Affordable Healthcare.”
- Significance – Would Help researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives to share ideas and collaborate.
- HTA – It is a commonly adopted approach for generating evidence to inform decision-making in the healthcare sector and for optimizing resource use in health.
- HTA India resource centers – Are spread over 19 states, which serves as an important mechanism for priority setting.
- It has helped immensely in achieving various health goals such as for TB detection, optimizing healthcare costs and incorporating evidence-based data in national health programs.
- Open Real-Time PCR Kit – Was recently released by the Union Health Minister which can help for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
- Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) - was approved for establishment with 4 divisions on 9 th May 2023.
- Collaboration & Innovation – Between researchers, policymakers, and industry, focusing on cost-effective health technologies.
- Digital Health & Evidence – Digital health technologies, like eSanjeevani and Ayushman Bharat, are bridging rural-urban gaps.
- Challenges & Future Scope – Policy translation and capacity building in HTA methodologies are crucial. Integrating socioeconomic and cultural contexts and expanding HTA to emerging technologies are vital for future progress.
- The symposium fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strengthened the ecosystem for cost-effective health technologies, contributing significantly to India's "Viksit Bharat" vision.
Reference
PIB| ISHTA
