International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA), 2025
iasparliament
March 11, 2025
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.
