Fifty recommendations were made that will determine access and funding for patients and clinicians.
The Federal Government has released the final report of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Policy and Methods Review, marking the first comprehensive review of Australia’s HTA system in nearly 30 years.
The HTA report’s 50 recommendations aim to improve access to new health technologies, address inequities, and simplify HTA processes to enhance participation from consumers and clinicians.
Alongside the HTA Review Report, the Government has also released the Enhance HTA Report, a companion document with 10 recommendations focused on amplifying the consumer and patient voice in health technology assessments.
The HTA report will play a key role in shaping the Federal Government’s health funding decisions, particularly through programs such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Medicare Benefits Schedule, and National Immunisation Program.
It will also inform Medicines Australia’s five-year Strategic Agreement with the Government, setting the future direction for health technology funding and assessment.
HTAs provides critical information on the benefits and comparative value of health technologies, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostic tests, and medical devices.
This data is essential for guiding government decisions on funding and subsidies for health interventions.
The main bodies involved in the HTA process include the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and the Medical Services Advisory Committee, with some state hospitals also conducting HTAs.
More details in tomorrow’s issue of Pharmacy Daily.
