Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: This work proposes a framework for assessing the impact of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Nepal. The main purpose of this study is to explore integrated strategies and approaches to addressing the health problem and suggest the potential steps for ensuring the better health status of the public in Nepal.
METHODS: In particular, this research investigates the feasibility, utility, and policy impact of HTA in Nepal. An in-depth policy review and incubation of the issue has been conducted with a view to better understand the issue and prepare for further analytic studies. HTA is an essential instrument to increase equity, improve health performance, enhance financial security and make the healthcare system more transparent, and select efficient medical goods.
RESULTS: This research finds that HTA can be a great tool to provide an efficient mechanism for the Government of Nepal to achieve the Universal Health Coverage. Still, many domestic conditions in Nepal appeared to pose considerable barriers for the government to introduce HTA in the country, which include the absence of a technical committee, lack of evaluation in the area of new technology, inadequate qualified human resources, and limited academic or training programs to build the HTA capacity. The findings indicate that HTA is a necessary step in better understanding the value for money in healthcare for the people in Nepal.
CONCLUSIONS: This approach could serve as a basis for promoting health status while supporting quality improvement and efficiency. HTA can benefit and improve the health care system of Nepal by valuing and adopting an appropriate and sound technology. Hence, a set of recommendations is proposed for Nepal to pay special attention for introducing HTA as an important tool.