The article titled “A Framework for Improved Collaboration on HTA in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Role for HTAsiaLink,” published in the International Journal of Technology Assessment in Healthcare examines the crucial role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in setting priorities for healthcare interventions across the Asia-Pacific region. As countries increasingly turn to HTA to evaluate and introduce new health interventions, the effectiveness of this tool is heavily influenced by the availability of resources, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement. The authors highlight the need for strengthened infrastructure and data, alongside financial support, to enhance HTA processes in the region.
Central to their proposal is HTAsiaLink, an organisation established to support HTA in the Asia-Pacific. The article argues that by developing HTAsiaLink into a center of excellence, the organisation can serve as a vital learning hub for sharing resources and data, facilitating joint HTAs, and building capacity in countries that are still developing their HTA expertise. The authors suggest that strengthening HTAsiaLink’s role will not only enhance the institutionalisation of HTA but also foster greater regional collaboration to improve health outcomes.