Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in India has evolved significantly since the establishment of HTAIn under the Department of Health Research. This scoping review evaluates progress, implementation, and challenges of HTA in India, presenting a comparative analysis of practices in seven Asia-Pacific countries.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and other official websites to identify published studies and guidelines on HTA implementation and regulation in India. This was supplemented by a review of regional HTA agencies and Health Ministry websites of seven Asia-Pacific countries (China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore).
RESULTS: The literature suggested that institutionalization of HTA in India was primarily driven by leaders actively working to shape policy decisions, informal coalition among national organizations advocating for HTA, and capacity building with support from international networks like International Decision Support Initiative. As of 2025, HTAIn operates through six resource hubs, 19 resource centers, 10 technical partners, and has completed 90 studies with 29 ongoing. Across all selected countries, HTA evaluations primarily focussed on cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes, with increased yet limited focus on budget-impact and quality-of-life. Notably, China and Taiwan incorporate stakeholder input from healthcare professionals and patients, Thailand emphasizes on equity considerations, while South Korea and Japan integrate societal values into assessment framework. In response to evolving healthcare needs, several countries have developed methodological adaptations for evaluating digital health technologies, public health interventions, and guidelines for budget-impact analyses. The thematic analysis indicated structural and systemic challenges in India’s HTA ecosystem. This includes dominance of private healthcare sector, resistance from stakeholders, uncertain funding, inequitable healthcare access, and preference for traditional medicine.
CONCLUSIONS: Sustained efforts to overcome these barriers are needed for HTA to effectively and equitably shape healthcare decisions across India. Future priorities include integrating real-world evidence, enhancing transparency, and embedding societal values into HTA assessments.