Latest news with #HealthTechnologyAssessment
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
BreastCheck may be extended to younger and older women in plans under examination
Currently, it covers women aged 50 to 69 years and invites them for screening. Independent TD for Offaly, Deputy Carol Nolan, asked health minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, if the programme could be broadened to women over 70. In response, the minister said that the Programme for Government commits to raising the age for the BreastCheck screening programme in line with updated standards from HIQA and work will shortly begin to establish whether the current age range should be extended. 'I am intent on advancing the cancer screening commitments outlined in the Programme for Government, which will be facilitated through established protocols. The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is the independent expert group that considers proposed changes to Ireland's screening programmes. 'NSAC assesses the evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria, before making recommendations to myself as Minister for Health. 'The rigorous processes utilised by NSAC are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms,' Minister Carroll MacNeill said. She told Deputy Nolan: "In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC is progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has submitted a request to the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), which has a section dedicated to undertaking evidence synthesises on behalf of the committee, to assess the evidence for a proposed expansion to the age range eligibility of the BreastCheck programme to include those aged 45 to 49 years and those aged 70 to 74 years. 'I should highlight that Hiqa is currently focused on the conclusion of two Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes to examine a proposed age-range expansion to the BowelScreen programme and the potential development of a screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). 'The evidence review for the expansion of BreastCheck remains a key priority for NSAC and is expected to commence later this year. ' She added that it would involve the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of technology assessments are time-intensive and rigorous processes, she added.
The Print
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Print
ICMR's NIIH develops simple point of care test for haemophilia A, Von Willebrand Disease
Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) represent significant public health challenges in India due to underdiagnosis and limited access to diagnostic facilities. The test offers a promising alternative to the current standard of care which relies on complex and costly diagnostic procedures limited to very few tertiary facilities in India, Dr Rucha Patil, scientist at the National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in Mumbai, said. New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI) A simple and affordable point-of-care test kit has been indigenously developed by the National Institute of Immunohaematology for early diagnosis of genetic bleeding disorders haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease. The point-of-care (PoC) test costs just Rs 582 while the current lab-based tests cost around Rs 2,086, Dr Bipin Kulkarni, scientist, at NIIH, said. The test kit was invented by former scientist Dr Shrimati Shetty and former ICMR postdoctoral fellow from NIIH Dr. Priyanka Kasatkar. The World Federation for Haemophilia has shown interest in procuring these tests for deployment in countries where the disease is prevalent, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, director of NIIH, Mumbai and Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur under the ICMR, said. 'For India, this new rapid, visual card testing device has made testing possible even at primary health centres bringing diagnosis closer to the people who need it most. By using these PoC kits at PHCs and other local health centres, India can find and treat these bleeding disorders early, improve patient outcomes, and cut healthcare costs dramatically. This is a major step toward improving care for one of the country's most neglected health issues', Dr Madkaikar said. The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) analysis team of ICMR and Department of Health Research (DHR) recommended that the PoC kits for haemophilia A and VWD are suitable for primary facility-based screening and suggested integration of the test into the national health programs at primary healthcare level. This is currently being implemented in different states, Dr Kulkarni said. 'This kit could help detect over 83,000 undiagnosed cases', he said, adding, 'It would save the health system about Rs 42 crore, which is three times cheaper than the current method'. Haemophilia A and VWD are the two most common inherited bleeding disorders. People with these conditions often suffer from joint swelling, easy bruising, muscle bleeding, and in women, heavy menstrual bleeding or complications during childbirth. 'India is estimated to have 1.5 lakh people with haemophilia, but only about 27,000 are officially diagnosed,' Dr Patil said. 'Incidence of haemophilia A is 1 in 5,000 male births. VWD is known to affect 1 per cent of general population,' she said. 'Haemophilia A is passed down in families through the X chromosome (X linked recessive disorder)', Dr Patil explained. 'Boys are usually the ones who have the disease, because they have only one X chromosome. If that X has the faulty gene, they don't have a 'backup' and will show symptoms. Girls usually have two X chromosomes, so if one X has the faulty gene, the other X can often make up for it. These girls are called 'carriers',' he said. 'The VWD is an autosomal disease. This means both males and females can get it equally. It is not linked to gender like haemophilia,' Dr Patil added. PTI PLB DV DV This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
ICMR's NIIH develops simple point of care test for haemophilia A, Von Willebrand Disease
A simple and affordable point-of-care test kit has been indigenously developed by the National Institute of Immunohaematology for early diagnosis of genetic bleeding disorders haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease . The test offers a promising alternative to the current standard of care which relies on complex and costly diagnostic procedures limited to very few tertiary facilities in India, Dr Rucha Patil, scientist at the National Institute of Immunohaematology ( NIIH ) in Mumbai, said. Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) represent significant public health challenges in India due to underdiagnosis and limited access to diagnostic facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nunca use o saca-rolhas para abrir um vinho. O motivo vai te surpreender Blog Amo Vinhos Undo The point-of-care (PoC) test costs just Rs 582 while the current lab-based tests cost around Rs 2,086, Dr Bipin Kulkarni, scientist, at NIIH, said. The test kit was invented by former scientist Dr Shrimati Shetty and former ICMR postdoctoral fellow from NIIH Dr. Priyanka Kasatkar. Live Events The World Federation for Haemophilia has shown interest in procuring these tests for deployment in countries where the disease is prevalent, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, director of NIIH, Mumbai and Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur under the ICMR, said. "For India, this new rapid, visual card testing device has made testing possible even at primary health centres bringing diagnosis closer to the people who need it most. By using these PoC kits at PHCs and other local health centres, India can find and treat these bleeding disorders early, improve patient outcomes, and cut healthcare costs dramatically. This is a major step toward improving care for one of the country's most neglected health issues", Dr Madkaikar said. The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) analysis team of ICMR and Department of Health Research (DHR) recommended that the PoC kits for haemophilia A and VWD are suitable for primary facility-based screening and suggested integration of the test into the national health programs at primary healthcare level. This is currently being implemented in different states, Dr Kulkarni said. "This kit could help detect over 83,000 undiagnosed cases", he said, adding, "It would save the health system about Rs 42 crore, which is three times cheaper than the current method". Haemophilia A and VWD are the two most common inherited bleeding disorders. People with these conditions often suffer from joint swelling, easy bruising, muscle bleeding, and in women, heavy menstrual bleeding or complications during childbirth. "India is estimated to have 1.5 lakh people with haemophilia, but only about 27,000 are officially diagnosed," Dr Patil said. "Incidence of haemophilia A is 1 in 5,000 male births. VWD is known to affect 1 per cent of general population," she said. "Haemophilia A is passed down in families through the X chromosome (X linked recessive disorder)", Dr Patil explained. "Boys are usually the ones who have the disease, because they have only one X chromosome. If that X has the faulty gene, they don't have a 'backup' and will show symptoms. Girls usually have two X chromosomes, so if one X has the faulty gene, the other X can often make up for it. These girls are called 'carriers'," he said. "The VWD is an autosomal disease. This means both males and females can get it equally. It is not linked to gender like haemophilia," Dr Patil added.
Qatar Tribune
19-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MoPH strengthens health technology assessment in Qatar
DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has highlighted its commitment to strengthening national capabilities in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and health policy, having established a dedicated national unit in this field and developed a comprehensive assessment framework with clear standards. These efforts come as part of the twelfth outcome, "Excellence in Health Research, Development, and Innovation," under the third priority, "Efficiency and Resilience of the Health System," in the National Health Strategy 2024–2030. In that context, the MoPH has recently organized a high-level workshop to enhance national capacities in HTA and health policy, in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Hoffmann-La Roche. The workshop formed part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to entrench evidence-based decision-making across healthcare sectors and to promote long-term sustainability and resilience within Qatar's health system. The workshop reflected the MoPH's commitment to ensuring the effective and equitable allocation of health resources, supporting innovation through effective governance of emerging technologies, and enhancing the overall resilience and sustainability of the health system. It also underscored the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in achieving national health priorities. These efforts align with the goals of the Human Development Pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the priorities of the National Health Strategy, particularly in building a high-performing, efficient, person-centered, data-driven health system that is responsive to current and future health needs. The workshop was opened by Head of the National Health Technology Assessment Unit Project within the National Health Strategy at the MoPH Dr Anas Hamad emphasized the importance of concerted efforts to achieve the Ministry's objectives under its 2024–2030 strategy, improve health system outcomes, and build specialized national capacities in this field. Dr Hamad said: "The project to establish a national HTA unit is based on the third priority of the National Health Strategy, which focuses on efficiency and resilience, and is part of the twelfth outcome relating to excellence in research, development, and innovation. The HTA project is a pivotal initiative to develop an integrated and reliable framework to support transparent, evidence-based decision-making within Qatar's health system. Through systematic evaluation of the clinical, economic, and social impacts of modern health technologies, we aim to ensure the best health value for citizens and residents, and to enhance the sustainability of Qatar's health system. This workshop is a foundational step for this project, which will contribute to achieving a sustainable, high-quality, efficient, patient-centered, and prudent health system that meets the needs of current and future generations." In turn, General Manager of Hoffmann-La Roche in the Gulf region Dr Ahmed Tawfiq stressed the importance of unifying efforts between the public and private sectors to develop sustainability frameworks aligned with shared objectives. Dr Tawfiq said: "Today, we are working with our partners at the Ministry of Public Health and the London School of Economics and Political Science to achieve a shared goal of improving healthcare in Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By building capacity in health technology assessment, we ensure that the right treatments reach the right patients at the right time, relying on the latest scientific evidence and modern technologies." Chair in Health Policy and Director of the LSE Health Centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science Professor Elias Mossialos said: "The LSE is proud to deliver an intensive two-day training program for the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar, focusing on key trends in healthcare, disease prevention and early diagnosis, and economic evaluation in healthcare as an essential tool for improving system performance and decision-making, in addition to HTA programs and value-based frameworks introduced by health innovations." The workshop provided participants with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the frameworks, capabilities, and key factors required to build an effective HTA structure. The focus was on applying real-world evidence to inform policy and investment decisions, and laying the foundation for the systematic and organized use of economic evaluation within Qatar's health policy framework.
Qatar Tribune
18-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
MoPH boosts health tech assessment in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recently organised a high-level workshop to enhance national capacities in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and health policy in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Hoffmann-La Roche. The workshop formed part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to entrench evidence-based decision-making across healthcare sectors and to promote long-term sustainability and resilience within Qatar's health system. The workshop aimed to strengthen national capabilities in HTA and health policy. Establishing a dedicated national unit in this field and developing a comprehensive assessment framework with clear standards are part of the twelfth outcome, 'Excellence in Health Research, Development, and Innovation,' under the third priority, 'Efficiency and Resilience of the Health System,' in the National Health Strategy 2024–2030. The workshop reflected the ministry's commitment to ensuring the effective and equitable allocation of health resources, supporting innovation through effective governance of emerging technologies, and enhancing the overall resilience and sustainability of the health system. It also underscored the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in achieving national health priorities. These efforts align with the goals of the Human Development Pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the priorities of the National Health Strategy, particularly in building a high-performing, efficient, person-centred, data-driven health system that is responsive to current and future health needs. The workshop was opened by Dr Anas Hamad, head of the National Health Technology Assessment Unit Project within the National Health Strategy at the Ministry of Public Health, who emphasised the importance of concerted efforts to achieve the ministry's objectives under its 2024–2030 strategy, improve health system outcomes, and build specialised national capacities in this field. He said, 'The project to establish a national Health Technology Assessment (HTA) unit is based on the third priority of the National Health Strategy, which focuses on efficiency and resilience, and is part of the twelfth outcome relating to excellence in research, development, and innovation. The HTA project is a pivotal initiative to develop an integrated and reliable framework to support transparent, evidence-based decision-making within Qatar's health system. 'Through systematic evaluation of the clinical, economic, and social impacts of modern health technologies, we aim to ensure the best health value for citizens and residents, and to enhance the sustainability of Qatar's health system. This workshop is a foundational step for this project, which will contribute to achieving a sustainable, high-quality, efficient, patient-centred, and prudent health system that meets the needs of current and future generations.' Dr Ahmed Tawfiq, general manager of Hoffmann-La Roche in the Gulf region, stressed the importance of unifying efforts between the public and private sectors to develop sustainability frameworks aligned with shared objectives. He said, 'Today, we are working with our partners at the Ministry of Public Health and the London School of Economics and Political Science to achieve a shared goal of improving healthcare in Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By building capacity in health technology assessment, we ensure that the right treatments reach the right patients at the right time, relying on the latest scientific evidence and modern technologies.' Professor Elias Mossialos, chair in Health Policy and director of the LSE Health Centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science, said: 'The LSE is proud to deliver an intensive two-day training programme for the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar, focusing on key trends in healthcare, disease prevention and early diagnosis, and economic evaluation in healthcare as an essential tool for improving system performance and decision-making, in addition to HTA programmes and value-based frameworks introduced by health innovations.' Through lectures and discussions over two days, delivered and moderated by Professor Elias Mossialos, Dr Panos Kanavos, and Dr Alex Carter, the workshop provided participants with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the frameworks, capabilities, and key factors required to build an effective HTA structure. The focus was on applying real-world evidence to inform policy and investment decisions, and laying the foundation for the systematic and organised use of economic evaluation within Qatar's health policy framework.
