Optimizing Healthcare Systems in the MENA Region: Insights From Tailored Reimbursement for Innovative and Generic Essential Remedies (TRIGER) Meetings in Saudi Arabia and Algeria
Author(s)
jalal kamel, B.Pharm1, Tomasz Kluszczynski, MA2, Rihab Al-Homsi, Pharm.D1, Khawla Abu Hamour, PhD3, Anas Hamad, MSc, PhD4, Ahmed Seyam, MHE5, Raid Alsabiri, B.Pharm, MScc, MBA6.
1Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Amman, Jordan, 2ACESO Healthcare Consulting, Warsaw, Poland, 3Head, Health Technology Assessment Committee, Jordan University Hospital, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, 4Director of Pharmacy, Hamad Medical Center, London, United Kingdom, 5Head of the Central Administration for the Medical Supplies and Pharmacies, General Authority for Health Insurance, Cairo, Egypt, 6Director General of Medical Supplies, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman.
1Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Amman, Jordan, 2ACESO Healthcare Consulting, Warsaw, Poland, 3Head, Health Technology Assessment Committee, Jordan University Hospital, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, 4Director of Pharmacy, Hamad Medical Center, London, United Kingdom, 5Head of the Central Administration for the Medical Supplies and Pharmacies, General Authority for Health Insurance, Cairo, Egypt, 6Director General of Medical Supplies, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman.
OBJECTIVES: This white paper aims to explore recent developments in healthcare systems across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), Managed Entry Agreements (MEAs), and strategies to enhance patient access to innovative medicines, generics, and biosimilars. The primary objective is to identify best practices and propose actionable recommendations for policymakers, payers, and providers.
METHODS: The paper employs a mixed methodology, combining systematic literature review with insights from two advisory board meetings held in Riyadh (2023) and Algiers (2024). The literature review includes recent publications from national and international journals. The advisory board meetings involved stakeholders from various sectors, including policy makers, payers, academia, and professional associations, using an open-ended, iterative approach.
RESULTS: The findings highlight significant disparities in healthcare systems across the MENA region, with varying levels of access to innovative medicines and biosimilars. Key barriers identified include lack of dedicated drug policy frameworks, inadequate regulatory provisions, and economic constraints. Conversely, enablers such as robust HTA processes, value-based healthcare models, and public-private partnerships have shown promise in improving healthcare quality and equity. Case studies from Saudi Arabia and Jordan illustrate successful implementation of HTA and MEAs, leading to enhanced, equitable patient access and system’s overall sustainability.
CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes that tailored policy frameworks, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and investment in healthcare infrastructure are crucial for optimizing healthcare systems in the MENA region. The adoption of HTA and MEAs, along with patient engagement and education, can significantly improve access to essential medicines and overall healthcare quality.The paper recommends creating holistic policies for innovative drugs, enhancing HTA processes, linking approval and financing mechanisms, investing in diagnostic tools, and fostering cross-country collaborations. Establishing regional networks for data sharing and developing educational programs for stakeholders are also emphasized as key strategies for sustainable healthcare improvement.
METHODS: The paper employs a mixed methodology, combining systematic literature review with insights from two advisory board meetings held in Riyadh (2023) and Algiers (2024). The literature review includes recent publications from national and international journals. The advisory board meetings involved stakeholders from various sectors, including policy makers, payers, academia, and professional associations, using an open-ended, iterative approach.
RESULTS: The findings highlight significant disparities in healthcare systems across the MENA region, with varying levels of access to innovative medicines and biosimilars. Key barriers identified include lack of dedicated drug policy frameworks, inadequate regulatory provisions, and economic constraints. Conversely, enablers such as robust HTA processes, value-based healthcare models, and public-private partnerships have shown promise in improving healthcare quality and equity. Case studies from Saudi Arabia and Jordan illustrate successful implementation of HTA and MEAs, leading to enhanced, equitable patient access and system’s overall sustainability.
CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes that tailored policy frameworks, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and investment in healthcare infrastructure are crucial for optimizing healthcare systems in the MENA region. The adoption of HTA and MEAs, along with patient engagement and education, can significantly improve access to essential medicines and overall healthcare quality.The paper recommends creating holistic policies for innovative drugs, enhancing HTA processes, linking approval and financing mechanisms, investing in diagnostic tools, and fostering cross-country collaborations. Establishing regional networks for data sharing and developing educational programs for stakeholders are also emphasized as key strategies for sustainable healthcare improvement.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HPR151
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Reimbursement & Access Policy
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas