New Delhi, March 8, 2025 – India took a significant step toward strengthening its healthcare system as Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the third International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA 2025) at Bharat Mandapam today. Organized by the Department of Health Research (DHR) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) India Country Office and the Centre for Global Development (CGD), the event gathered policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for making healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holistic healthcare, emphasizing the importance of preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative measures. He highlighted India’s ongoing efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of 22 AIIMS institutions and a significant increase in medical education seats, aiming to meet the country’s growing healthcare needs. With the addition of 30,000 medical seats last year and plans to create 75,000 more, the government is focused on strengthening the medical workforce to ensure quality healthcare reaches every citizen.
A key focus of the symposium was the role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in shaping policy decisions and optimizing healthcare investments. Shri Nadda underscored the impact of HTA India resource centers, which are spread across 19 states and play a crucial role in priority setting for public health programs. He highlighted their contributions in areas such as tuberculosis detection, cost-effective treatment solutions, and the integration of evidence-based decision-making into national health initiatives.
In a significant move to bolster medical innovation, Shri Nadda launched several key resources, including the Open Real-Time PCR Kit for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis, the HTA Technologies Compendium, and the HTA Costing Database. He also introduced the Patent Mitra initiative, aimed at supporting scientists and researchers in protecting their innovations and facilitating seamless technology transfer. These initiatives, he stated, reinforce India’s commitment to fostering a robust healthcare ecosystem where innovation thrives and benefits the public.
Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, lauded the rapid progress of HTA India, emphasizing its scientific rigor and practical application in government programs like Ayushman Bharat. He noted that HTA has evolved into a robust system, integrating scientific expertise with public health needs to maximize healthcare investments. He also acknowledged the growing adoption of HTA insights at the state level, a crucial development in India’s federal health structure.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research, stressed HTA’s role in shaping health policies, particularly in cost-effective technology development. He pointed out that India’s experience in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the value of indigenous health innovations and underscored the importance of collaboration between research institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the impact of digital health technologies in bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare services. She noted HTA’s contributions to programs such as eSanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat, and TeleMANAS, ensuring healthcare reaches even the most remote regions.
Mr. Amit Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for HTA to drive innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and promote the development of affordable medical products.
The symposium featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for experts to share insights on strengthening India’s healthcare system. A special “Marketplace” segment showcased HTA studies and their impact on health policymaking, further emphasizing the role of evidence-based strategies in making healthcare more accessible.
The presence of distinguished guests, including WHO Representative to India Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin and senior officials from the Union Health Ministry, underscored the global significance of the discussions. With participation from researchers, academicians, innovators, and industry leaders from across the world, ISHTA 2025 laid the groundwork for meaningful collaborations aimed at building a more sustainable, inclusive, and affordable healthcare system.
Shri Nadda concluded his address with a vision for the future, emphasizing that HTA will play a critical role in realizing “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, a goal set by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to transform India into a developed nation. He reaffirmed that by integrating innovative health solutions, strengthening medical education, and prioritizing accessible healthcare, India is steadily moving toward a healthier and more equitable future for all.
