OBJECTIVES: To compare the pharmacoeconomic evaluation process of Medical Devices in France, England, Germany, Singapore & Explore the process in Algeria

METHODS: The present work represents an extensive review of the literature, that analyzes the different pharmaco-economic approaches practiced by four countries: France, England, Germany and Singapore, chosen as references with the aim of emerging with recommendations that fit the current state of affairs in Algeria. This was explored by means of a survey among the authorities concerned by market access of medical devices.

RESULTS: These studies seem to be a reliable tool applied by these four countries when it comes to healthcare choices, including MD pricing, reimbursement and, consequently, their availability within healthcare establishments. Each country has its own Health Technology Assessment body. This represents an independent entity that applies a more comprehensive pharmaco-economic evaluation approach to evaluating health technologies in order to emerge with recommendations that form the basis of decision-making.

A certain flexibility is evident in this application. Indeed, each country uses pharmaco-economic means adapted to the structure of its healthcare system and its health situation, and Algeria is no exception. However, areas for progress have been identified. They concern the institutionalization of these studies and the implementation of well-defined, long-term appliable regulations.

CONCLUSIONS: Algeria, like many countries, has a growing interest in pharmaco-economic evaluations. This is understandable given the constant need to generate evidence that optimizes decision-making when it comes to healthcare choices.

That said, the pharmaco-economic measures currently applied to medical devices should be improved, moving towards their institutionalization and the development of structured and pragmatic schemes that will take into account the various challenges encountered. The implementation of pricing and reimbursement regulations will, at the same time, ensure sustainable and orderly access to the medical device market.