On 28 August 2018, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Deputy Director-General for Programmes (DDP) and Dr. Daniel Kertesz, WHO Representative (WR) to Thailand, visit the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP) to learn about health technology assessment (HTA), and HITAP’s work as well as to discuss about potential collaboration.
Dr. Pattara Leelahavarong, HITAP’s Program Leader & the Head of Research Unit, welcomed the guests and introduce HITAP team in attendance. Afterwards, Dr. Jomkwan Yothasamut presented about universal coverage scheme (UCS), its process in developing benefits package and the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) in Thailand as well as HITAP’s role in national healthcare decision making process. Then, Rachel Archer presented on HITAP’s role internationally in supporting the evidence-informed policy making as a part of the International Decision Support Initiative (iDSI).
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan expressed that the economic evaluation for health technology is imperative and necessary for public health system at national, regional, and international levels.
