Latest News — Page 87

The potential of Primary Health Care (PHC) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is widely acknowledged. In Eastern and Southern Africa, governments have been progressively decentralising health decision-making, making health management a critical aspect of PHC performance. A study published by Oxford, conducted an in-depth political economy analysis in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda, focusing on local decision-making environments and their impact on health management and governance practices.  The study involved a comprehensive set of questions for key informants regarding […]

A recent study published in India, showed that over 50% of health expenses are financed through out-of-pocket payments. This places a huge financial burden on households, especially with the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, injuries, and infectious diseases. This study using data from the National Sample Survey (2017-2018) revealed that 49% of households experienced catastrophic health expenditure and 15% fell into poverty due to these out-of-pocket health costs. It’s clear that there is a need to increase health insurance uptake, […]

Exciting news from Pretoria! The South Africa Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has inked a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA). This monumental alliance, signed at the Egyptian Embassy, promises to foster vital collaboration and engagement on mutual reliance for pharmaceuticals, biological products, and medical devices.  This MOU marks the first of its kind between SAHPRA and a national regulatory authority in Africa, underlining our dedication to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing with our African […]

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-derived computer-aided detection (CAD) software may be a game-changer in the field of lung cancer screening. These technologies can potentially enhance the detection and measurement of lung nodules in CT scan images, making them a cost-effective solution. However, more evidence is needed to ascertain which technologies are the most clinically and cost-effective. There is little clinical-effectiveness evidence available on any of the individual technologies which means that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and […]

We are ecstatic to discuss the recent establishment of the BRICS Health and Pharmaceutical Association for Africa (BRICS-HPAA). According to China Daily and HealthCare Middle East & Africa Magazine, this initiative is a significant step toward improving health systems across the African continent and bracing for future pandemics. Launched in South Africa, the BRICS-HPAA seeks to utilize research, development, and advanced technology from BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to combat the disease burden in Africa. The […]

In a groundbreaking study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice volume, an analysis was conducted on the R&D costs of oncology medicines. The analysis, based on data from company filings from 1997 to 2020, indicates that a precision approach to oncology medicine development using Companion Diagnostic (CDx) could significantly reduce costs and increase ROI. Despite some missing data, primarily from larger pharmaceutical companies that have acquired smaller firms, the study still provides a robust picture of the R&D […]

A recent study conducted in Malaysia has shed light on the significant impact of pharmacist interventions on glycemic control in diabetic patients. The study, which focused on the Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (DMTAC) program, revealed a substantial reduction in HbA1c levels among patients after their visits to the clinic. The findings of this study were consistent with previous smaller-scale studies conducted in a health clinic and a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. These studies also demonstrated a significant reduction in […]

 Maryland’s GBR model has been hailed as a game-changer in tackling the rising costs of healthcare. However, it’s crucial to recognize that payment reforms can have varying effects across different types of care. Here are some key takeaways for CMS’s new value-based specialty care strategy. 1️⃣ Tailored Payment Models: Specialty care savings may require specific payment models for different types of care, like cancer surgery. It’s essential to design reforms that cater to the unique needs of each specialty. 2️⃣ […]

Breast and cervical cancers are on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, with lower cure rates due to late diagnosis. Screening programs in these countries are not comprehensive, hindering early detection.  By analysing studies published between 2016 and 2021, articles from low- and middle-income countries and using the 5A framework (approachability, acceptability, availability, affordability, and appropriateness), screening barriers were classified.  Findings highlighted the lack of awareness, high screening costs, and distance to screening centers as major obstacles. Embarrassment, fear, […]

The objective is to produce Joint Clinical Assessments (JCA) for medicinal products and medical devices in order to improve quality, consistency, and national adoption of the JCA. The production process will be standardized. During the production, the methodological convergence paths defined in EUnetHTA JA3 will be tested, including the PICO concept paper and the GRADE framework paper. Additionally, the new methodological guidelines developed by EUnetHTA 21, as well as revised templates and guidelines, will be tested to address challenges identified […]

Discover the untapped potential of systems thinking in shaping effective policies and practices published in a new article.  Traditionally seen as too conceptual for policy relevance, systems thinking is now gaining traction in high-income countries, with governments embracing adaptive leadership and systemic evaluations.  But what about low- and middle-income countries? Resource constraints often hinder the institutionalization of systems thinking, making it challenging to replicate successful examples. To overcome this, the study proposes three key steps: 1️⃣ Theorise and clarify the […]

Australia’s Strengthening Medicare initiative is set to overhaul the country’s outdated healthcare system with a focus on workforce challenges and digital health infrastructure. With a new allocation of over $4 billion, the reforms aim to modernize Australia’s healthcare landscape. However, there are still limitations in the functionality of the established digital health agency, hindering its effectiveness in practice.   Mark Butler, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, emphasizes the need to upload diagnostic results to the My Health Record, […]

A recent interview with Dr Sipho Kabane, the Registrar and Chief Executive at the Council for Medical Schemes is now available. They discuss various issues including the role of the CMS and its function to assure affordable medical schemes, the delay in more affordable cover in low-income families as well as the role of medical schemes once NHI is implemented in South Africa.   Follow the below link for the recorded interview.

Experts in the Pharmacoeconomics Department recently conducted a study on the best practices in the public procurement of medicines. Commissioned by the European Commission, this study aims to improve access to medicines, affordability, availability, and more.  Public procurement of medicines can improve access, foster competition, and address important policy objectives. This study mapped and analyzed PPM practices across 32 European countries, revealing some fascinating insights.     Findings include: Different organizational forms of procurement, ranging from facility-based to centralized procurement. Use […]

A review conducted by INESSS highlights the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital health solutions, as well as frameworks used for evaluating these technologies. The consultation with patients and citizens highlights issues such as equity of access, accessibility and security of personal health data, and training and support of users. The study shows the heterogeneity of approaches underlying their assessment in practice and emphasizes the need for strategies tailored to users’ needs.

AI in healthcare is transforming how we tackle challenges like data overload, staff shortages, and rising costs. Embracing digitization and improved algorithms, AI-enhanced care helps streamline workflows, interpret results, and predict outcomes. Though we need clearer guidelines and effectiveness assessments, HTA’s role is crucial in guiding policy and resource allocation. Together, let’s unlock AI’s full potential in healthcare! Read more on our perspectives of AI.