PHP352 - Health Technology Assessment Practices In Turkey

Abstract

The Ministry of Health of Turkey has a system that places a high value on improving health care in all areas. The Ministry has initiated a project called “Health Transition” which has some sub-components to provide the above-mentioned goal . A number of national priorities have been established for these components one of which is to address health technology assessment (HTA). Health technology covers a variety of practices including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, surgical methods and health systems that are used for protecting and promoting health; and preventing, diagnosing and curing of diseases. Health Economics and in particular HTA is also a high priority for the European Union (EU) as stated in the 15th article of the directive 2011/24/EU related to the application of patients’ rights in cross-border health care. Despite HTA being a high-value speciality, the Turkish health care system has just newly developed its HTA perspective. Even though the system has been put in place recently and somehow fragmented between different institutions, HTA department in Turkey has conducted some research and reports regarding medical devices and pharmaceuticals some of which have not yet been concluded. It is also an active member of European Health Technology Assessment Network by having roles and responsibilities in working packages and authorship in projects. There is however a long way to go. In this paper, current situation of Turkish Health Technology Assessment capacity has been discussed and some information has been given regarding the efforts of cohesion between EU and international society.