Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is no longer a standalone technical tool, but has become an indispensable pillar in the governance architecture of modern healthcare systems.
In Vietnam, HTA is seen as a structural reform tool aimed at ensuring that all budget and health insurance funds are used rationally, fairly, and in a way that truly benefits patients.
Speaking at the International Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Conference on the theme "Health Technology Assessment in the Digital Age: From Evidence to Policy and Practice," held on December 13th, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan emphasized the fundamental shift of HTA globally.
From relying primarily on clinical trials and traditional efficacy metrics, HTA has now evolved into a multifaceted approach.
"HTA has integrated real-world evidence, big data, health economics , ethical considerations, equity, and the financial sustainability of the entire system," Mr. Thuan said.
Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan speaks at the event (Photo: Organizing Committee).
This shift reflects the reality that HTAs not only evaluate technology but also directly participate in shaping each country's health priorities, basing all policy decisions on evidence, values, and accountability to society.
In the digital age, the core challenge lies not in the quantity of data, but in the institutional and professional capacity to transform that data into sound policy decisions.
In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health approaches HTA as a structural reform tool for the health system, not as a formal administrative procedure.
HTA is being progressively and intentionally integrated into the process of developing drug and medical device lists; negotiating centralized bidding prices; and designing and adjusting health insurance payment policies.
The goal is to make decisions on the allocation of health resources more transparent, consistent, and scientifically sound.
Associate Professor Dr. Le Khac Cuong, Vice Rector of Hong Bang International University, emphasized: "In the context of increasingly complex diseases, rapidly rising healthcare costs, and the strong development of new technologies, HTA has become an indispensable tool to support policy planning, procurement, price negotiation, and ensure equitable access for patients."
In particular, given Vietnam's rapid expansion of health insurance coverage and the increasing need for access to new technologies, controlling costs and ensuring the financial sustainability of the system has become an urgent requirement.
"HTA is a crucial scientific foundation to ensure that every penny of state budget and every penny of health insurance is used rationally, fairly, and towards real value for patients," Deputy Minister Thuan affirmed.
The Deputy Minister of Health pledged to promote HTA as a key pillar in healthcare system reform, while expanding international cooperation to contribute Vietnam's voice and experience to the overall development of the regional and global HTA community.
The third International Conference on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), themed "Health Technology Assessment in the Digital Age: From Evidence to Policy and Practice," took place over two days, December 13-14.
The event included two plenary sessions and five thematic sessions with approximately 40 scientific reports, attracting more than 400 domestic and international delegates.
The conference focused on discussing the role of HTA in the context of digital transformation in healthcare, as data increasingly becomes the foundation for decisions on payment, bidding, and resource allocation within the healthcare system.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/xuong-song-cua-cai-cach-y-te-trong-ky-nguyen-so-20251213145025323.htm
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