OBJECTIVES: To investigate strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for development of the recently established Health Technology Assessment framework in Greece.

METHODS: The study was conducted through qualitative interviews with former and current members of the medicines assessment and reimbursement committees. To this end, a semi-structured questionnaire was constructed. Eligible participants were sent an invitation letter through e-mail. Virtual interviews were conducted in June-August 2021 and recorded upon informed consent. The recorded interviews were then transcribed and fully anonymized. Thematic analysis was the method of choice for the analysis of the transcripts, in order to identify the main themes of the study.

RESULTS: Overall, 5 former and current members of the committees participated in the study. The main findings of the analysis can be summarized under the following themes: (1) institutional framework, (2) organizational issues, (3) prospects for an independent national HTA organization. Based on the analysis, the institutional framework is considered to be adequate in its clinical parameters, but requires some improvements in the pharmacoeconomic ones. Also, the assessment criteria could be updated and consideration should be given in prioritisation of medicines, based on specific parameters, such as degree of innovation. Regarding organizational issues, the participants identified issues in the operation of the committees due to inadequate support on both administrative and scientific levels, which hinder the ability of the committees to meet deadlines. The establishment of an independent HTA organization is supported by the participants, provided it can be really independent from the Ministry of Health and staffed with the appropriate administrative and scientific staff.

CONCLUSIONS: First introduced in 2018, HTA in Greece is a big step forward towards evidence-based resource allocation decisions. Further measures to strengthen its core procedure, in terms of methodology and structure, and its organisational scheme, through the establishment of an independent HTA organization could be beneficial.