The recent international conference titled “Bioeconomy and Health Technology Assessment (HTA): Evidence for Better Health Decisions” took place at IIT Guwahati on January 19. This collaborative event was organized by the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong, IIT Guwahati, and AIIMS Guwahati, along with Health Technology Assessment in India, a unit under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Gathering of Experts
The conference attracted a diverse group of participants, including policymakers, researchers, clinicians, students, and public health professionals. The primary objective was to explore the significance of evidence-based approaches in reinforcing India’s health systems.
Promoting Multidisciplinary Approaches
A key focus of the event was to foster awareness and understanding of Health Technology Assessment, especially among students and early-career researchers from various academic backgrounds. By promoting a multidisciplinary approach, the conference emphasized the importance of integrating engineering, clinical research, and public health methodologies. HTA serves as a systematic process that evaluates the clinical effectiveness, costs, and broader impacts of health technologies, ranging from medicines and diagnostics to public health interventions.
Inaugural Session Insights
The conference commenced with an inaugural session led by Prof. Utpal Bora, Head of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Guwahati, and Prof. Sandra Albert, Director of IIPH Shillong. Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, formally inaugurated the event. Following this, Kavitha Rajsekar, a Scientist-F at the Indian Council of Medical Research’s Department of Health Research, provided an overview of HTA activities in India.
Technical Sessions on HTA Components
The technical sessions of the conference delved into essential components of HTA. Gaurav Jyani from PGIMER Chandigarh presented on the valuation of health outcomes and its significance for economic evaluation. Beena Joshi of ICMR-NIRRH discussed the integration of HTA evidence into policymaking and the challenges associated with translating research into actionable decisions. Somen Saha from IIPH Gandhinagar delivered insights into various costing methodologies relevant to HTA studies.
Showcasing Ongoing Research
One of the conference’s highlights was the oral paper presentation session, moderated by Phulen Sarma from AIIMS Guwahati. Seven researchers presented their ongoing HTA studies, covering a range of topics. These included cost-effectiveness analyses of AI-assisted chest X-ray tools for tuberculosis detection and economic evaluations of HPV DNA diagnostics for cervical cancer. The presentations illustrated the broad applicability of HTA methods across various clinical and public health domains.
Engaging Discussions and Collaboration
Following the oral presentations, a poster session allowed participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative research ideas, and explore potential collaborations. The posters displayed a strong interest among young researchers in applying HTA methods to tackle health system challenges.
Innovations in Medical Technology
The afternoon session featured Bhaskar Borgohain from NEIGRIHMS Shillong, who presented an evaluation of a lightweight prosthesis, showcasing HTA’s role in medical innovation. Biju Soman from SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram, shared insights on utilizing free and open-source software in HTA processes. The international perspective was enriched by Saudamini V. Dabak from HITAP, Thailand, who discussed prioritization in HTA based on experiences from Thailand.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The conference concluded with an interactive session that brought together policymakers, speakers, and attendees to discuss the challenges of conducting HTA in India. This dialogue highlighted the necessity for capacity-building and collaboration opportunities. The event underscored the critical role of HTA in enhancing evidence-based health decision-making and emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce within India’s health ecosystem.
Key Takeaways:
- HTA is crucial for evaluating the impact of health technologies on clinical and economic outcomes.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for successful integration of HTA in health systems.
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Engaging young researchers in HTA can lead to innovative solutions for public health challenges.
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Collaborative efforts between institutions can strengthen the application of HTA methodologies in India.
The conference at IIT Guwahati not only fostered knowledge exchange but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and advancements in health technology assessment.
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