OBJECTIVES : The health technology assessment (HTA) Department of the State Enterprise “State Expert Center of Ministry of Health of Ukraine” was established in January 2019 for conducting HTA for medicines for efficient resource allocation and financing of health technologies in Ukraine. The aim of this study was to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of HTA Department for the proper implementation and creation of a transparent HTA ecosystem in Ukraine.

METHODS : Current study was conducted by working in three groups of HTA stakeholders using SWOT methodology. Two stakeholders groups were interviewed prospectively and one group - retrospectively. Among stakeholders were different representatives: government officials, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions. Above 100 participants were interviewed during April-May, 2019. Based on this research, performed SWOT analysis of HTA Department identified that can have an impact on viability of ecosystem for HTA.

RESULTS : Most of participants identified following strengths of HTA Department: professional organization that will make HTA expertise of submissions based on evidence-based medicine and pharmacoeconomics for making informed decisions. The weaknesses and threats related with lack of legislation framework in Ukraine that regulates the connection between HTA Department and stakeholders. Very important factor was political instability in Ukraine. Stakeholders noted that among the most important opportunities for HTA Department are to create regulatory framework and communication schemes with stakeholders. Stakeholders’ involvement in HTA process will provide transparency in evaluation and decision-making and enhance public confidence in HTA. Active communication with international organizations will enhance and improve the recognition of HTA Department at both local and international level.

CONCLUSIONS : SWOT analysis identified key opportunities and challenges of HTA implementation in Ukraine. The results of this analysis should be interpreted in order to develop an action plan for HTA implementation and roadmap in Ukraine.