The inaugural health technology assessment (HTA) in Greece took place at the Health Ministry yesterday, featuring participation from representatives of the European Union’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG Reform) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
HTA, as defined by the WHO, is "a multidisciplinary process that aims to determine the value of a health technology and to inform guidance on how these technologies can be used in health systems around the world." This first session, titled “Enforcing the National Framework for the Implementation of the European Union Regulation on the Assessment of Health Technologies 2021/2282,” was organised by the Greek Health Ministry’s General Secretariat for Strategic Planning.
The EU Regulation, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, seeks to streamline and enhance the evaluation of health technologies across member states. This assessment initiative in Greece is funded by the EU's DG Reform, following a proposal submitted by the Greek General Secretariat in October 2023. Greece is among six countries receiving funding for this program.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis underscored the significance of this development, stating, "This reform is a critical step toward improving the quality of health services in Greece. The new European Regulation sets the foundation for a more effective, transparent, and fair assessment process of new health technologies. The European Union’s support through DG Reform is decisive in this effort."
The Health Ministry highlighted that this initial HTA meeting represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare quality and efficiency in Greece, aligning with broader European standards and practices.