Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, inaugurated the third International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA 2025) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The symposium, themed “Bridging Evidence to Policy: Health Technology Assessment for Affordable Healthcare,” is organized by the Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) India Country Office and the Centre for Global Development (CGD).
The event witnessed the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament (MP); Prof. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog; Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); and Amit Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals.
Government’s Commitment to Comprehensive Healthcare
In his inaugural address, Shri Nadda emphasized the government’s holistic approach to healthcare, encompassing preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services. He reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare, aligning with the broader vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Highlighting key achievements, the minister noted the establishment of 22 AIIMS institutions across India, a significant expansion in MBBS and MD seats, and an increased focus on training healthcare professionals. He also announced plans to create 75,000 new medical education seats, with 30,000 already added last year.
The Role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Policy and Healthcare Optimization
Shri Nadda highlighted the crucial role played by HTA India resource centres, currently spread across 19 states, in priority setting and achieving major health goals. These centres have contributed significantly to tuberculosis (TB) detection, cost optimization in healthcare, and evidence-based policymaking for national health programs.
The minister also launched several key healthcare initiatives, including:
- Open Real-Time PCR Kit for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Diagnosis (Quantiplus® MTB FAST Detection Kit) developed by Huwel Lifesciences
- HTA Technologies Compendium
- HTA Costing Database
- Patent Mitra Initiative
Speaking about these advancements, Shri Nadda emphasized that India is taking a major leap in supporting healthcare innovators by providing assistance in patent protection and technology transfer. He also highlighted the Medical Education Patent Mitra initiative, which complements the Med Tech Mitra initiative to foster medical innovation.
HTA’s Impact on Healthcare Policy and Decision-Making
Prof. Vinod Kumar Paul of NITI Aayog commended the Health Technology Assessment – India (HTAIn) for its rapid growth and impact on policymaking. He identified five major achievements of HTA in India:
- Institutional Growth: HTA has evolved into a full-fledged office within the Department of Health Research.
- Scientific Excellence: HTA’s analytical methods meet global standards while addressing India’s specific needs.
- Extensive Network: A strong network of scientists, public health professionals, and academicians has been established across India.
- Policy Integration: HTA recommendations have been incorporated into major government programs, including Ayushman Bharat.
- Federal Implementation: States have increasingly adopted HTA-driven insights, reinforcing India’s federal approach to healthcare.
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HTA in Strengthening India’s Healthcare Ecosystem
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR, highlighted HTA’s role in shaping Indian healthcare policies by fostering cost-effective and innovative health technologies. He pointed out that India successfully developed indigenous health technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing the need for collaboration among research institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, underscored the significance of digital health technologies in bridging rural-urban healthcare disparities. She noted that HTA-driven programs like eSanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat, TeleMANAS, and uWIN have made quality healthcare more accessible and cost-effective.
Amit Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the need for HTA to drive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry while ensuring affordable medical solutions for all.
A Global Platform for Healthcare Innovation and Collaboration
ISHTA 2025 served as a dynamic platform for advancing healthcare discussions, featuring keynote presentations from global health experts and insightful panel discussions on health technology and policy. The symposium also showcased groundbreaking research through oral and poster presentations, fostering knowledge exchange among industry leaders. Additionally, it provided valuable networking opportunities for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, encouraging collaboration to drive innovation. A dedicated ‘Marketplace’ displayed HTA studies and their impact on policy decisions, further reinforcing the role of evidence-based research in shaping a more efficient and accessible healthcare system.
The event was attended by Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India; Smt. Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary, Department of Health Research; and senior officials from the Union Health Ministry. With its comprehensive discussions and collaborative efforts, the stage is set for shaping India’s future healthcare landscape, ensuring affordable, accessible, and high-quality medical services for all.
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