Trip Report for Bhutan Visit, July 21- 26, 2019

The Ministry of Health (MoH), Bhutan has developed a health technology assessment (HTA) program in Bhutan since 2013 and has continued its efforts to build HTA capacity and maintain its momentum. This year, the MoH shows interest and is seeking support on:

• Cost-effectiveness threshold led by the Essential Medicine & Technology Division (EMTD), Department of Medical Services

• The social cost of alcohol consumption lead by Policy Planning Division (PPD), Office of the Secretary

In order to explore potential collaboration, a joint mission comprising representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Hitotsubashi University, Japan and Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Ministry of Public Health, Thailand was carried out between July 21-26, 2019. The trip was aimed to be a scoping visit to learn about the health care system and the current situation in the country, to discuss the potential collaboration and explore the feasibility and data availability on HTA studies. The visit provided an opportunity for delegates to meet highlevel officials at MoH, visit health facilities of all tiers and key partners (both local and international) in healthcare in Bhutan. This allowed the delegates to understand the
country’s context and better support the MoH in strengthening capacity for HTA.

For full report please click here