Australia outlines 50 recommendations for health technology access

The HTA Review report is based on 28 expert discussions and over 250 submissions.

The Australian government has outlined 50 recommendations in the final report of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review to enhance access to new health technologies, address inequity, and streamline the HTA process for consumers and clinicians.

A companion report, the "Enhance HTA Report," proposes ten additional recommendations to strengthen the role of consumers and patients in the assessment process. The report was created by a working group comprising patient and consumer organisations, industry, and government representatives.

To implement these reforms, an implementation group will be established to oversee the reform process, providing regular updates to the government. This independent group will be led by a prominent Australian and include representatives from the Commonwealth and state governments, industry, consumers, clinicians, and a health economist.

The HTA Review Report is the result of extensive consultations, including 28 discussions with experts and over 250 submissions.

“The goal is faster access to the best therapies, at a cost that patients and the community can afford. Value for money remains paramount, because value is at the heart of patient benefit,” said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler.

“With health technologies, the opportunity cost of a dollar spent needlessly or on the wrong therapy is enormous. It isn't measured in dollars and cents, but in months and years, and time lost with loved ones,” he added.