HTA in Essential Health Benefit Package Design

By João L. Carapinha

June 5, 2024

Introduction

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Health Technology Assessments (HTA) contributes to defining Essential Health Benefit Packages (HBPs). The goal is to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) which means that all persons receive essential health services without financial hardship. This article discusses how HTA can help in developing effective HBPs, dealing with challenges and aligning health priorities based on available resources.

Understanding HTA in Essential Health Benefit Package Design

HTA is a process of evaluating healthcare interventions to determine their value, effectiveness and economic impact. It offers a systematic way for looking at new technologies. On the other hand, designing of HBP entails coming up with comprehensive set of health services that meets the needs of the people within the available funds. While HTA concentrates on single interventions, HBP takes into account entire systems of medicine.

Health Technology Assessment in Essential Health Benefit Package Design
Figure 1: Distinguishing HTA processes from HBP processes. CEA = Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; CUA = Cost-Utility Analysis. Source: Norheim et al 2024

Challenges in LMICs

There are several challenges faced by LMICs when it comes to HTA and HBP owing to inadequate local data as well as technical capacity. In most cases, they tend to use estimates of cost-effectiveness from other contexts which may not be entirely applicable. This dependency may bring about inaccuracies since clinical standards are different among countries while implementation costs vary widely, influenced by many factors including availability of infrastructure etc. Health systems within LMICs are at different stages of development thereby making it difficult for them to adopt holistic HBPs.

A Hybrid Approach: Combining HTA and HBP

To overcome these challenges, it is recommended that a hybrid model be employed which integrates both HTA and HBP. This approach suggests using HTA to inform HBP design through setting specific cost-effectiveness thresholds for different healthcare programs. The method aligns priority setting with organizational concerns and ethical considerations. For example, HTAs can be helpful in deciding whether or not a new drug should be included in the current service mix by comparing its cost-effectiveness against other available treatments.

The Role of the Disease Control Priorities Project

The Disease Control Priorities (DCP) project provides a model for integrating HTA and HBP. DCP3 introduced “extended cost-effectiveness analysis” to incorporate equity and financial protection alongside cost-effectiveness. This approach helps countries tailor HBPs to local contexts by considering multiple dimensions such as health needs, system objectives, and resource availability.

Decision

HTA in Essential Health Benefit Package Design is crucial for designing effective healthcare systems. By adopting a hybrid approach, countries can enhance priority-setting and ensure that health services meet population needs within budget constraints. This method not only improves health outcomes but also promotes equity and financial protection. Strengthening local HTA capacity and aligning it with HBP processes will support the path towards achieving UHC.

Reference url

Recent Posts

DTC telehealth partnerships
           

DTC Telehealth Partnerships: Navigating Risks in Pharma’s Digital Expansion

🚀 Are pharmaceutical companies’ DTC telehealth partnerships reshaping healthcare for better or worse?

Recent findings from the “DTC Investigation 2025” report reveal key insights into the high prescription rates and potential risks of these digital platforms operated by giants like Pfizer and Eli Lilly. Alarmingly, inadequate clinical safeguards raise questions about patient safety, prescribing practices, and cost implications.

Dive into this critical discussion about the intersection of digital health and pharmaceutical practices, and explore what it means for the future of patient care.

#SyenzaNews #DigitalHealth #HealthEconomics #HealthcarePolicy

MAF Test breast cancer
       

MAF Test Breast Cancer: Revolutionizing Personalized Treatment in Spanish Oncology

🌟 How can personalized medicine transform breast cancer treatment in Spain?

The recent rollout of the MAF Test breast cancer in leading Spanish hospitals is set to revolutionize patient care by enabling targeted treatment strategies. This innovative molecular assay not only identifies patients who will benefit from bisphosphonates but also spares those for whom the treatment may be harmful, ultimately improving outcomes for thousands.

Dive into the article to discover how this approach aligns with global trends in oncology and enhances healthcare resource allocation.

#SyenzaNews #precisionmedicine #HealthEconomics #innovation

ribociclib breast cancer guidance
           

NICE’s Ribociclib Breast Cancer Guidance: A New Era for High-Risk Patients in the NHS

🌟 Are we on the brink of transforming breast cancer treatment?

NICE’s latest guidance endorsing ribociclib in combination with an aromatase inhibitor marks a significant advancement for adults facing high-risk early breast cancer. This decision not only promises enhanced survival outcomes but also expands treatment options for patients historically limited to conventional therapies.

Dive into the details of this important development and learn how it may revolutionize patient care in the oncology landscape.

#SyenzaNews #oncology #costeffectiveness #MarketAccess

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

JOIN NEWSLETTER

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.