The Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program Foundation (HITAP) is an autonomous research institute in Thailand, known for its expertise in health technology assessment (HTA), which provides evidence to support Thailand’s universal coverage benefits package for medicines, health services, programmes and procedures, and vaccines through collaborations with policy-makers such as the National Health Security Office and the Thai Ministry of Public Health. HITAP has a proven track record of its HTA research, especially economic evaluations, continuously impacting Thai public health policy. One of its early works on cost-effectiveness analysis of renal replacement therapy in end-stage renal disease played a key role in shaping Thailand’s dialysis policy under Thai Universal Coverage Scheme, leading to the development of a comprehensive program which consider not only treatment choice but also access to the service. In addition, HITAP has a diverse set of skills in the sphere of health systems research (using quantitative and qualitative methods) and collaborates with partners globally to promote the use of evidence in healthcare decision-making.
Building on its technical expertise in HTA, HITAP has conducted programme evaluations and health service research commissioned by domestic and international agencies in both Thailand and other partners such as Myanmar, Timor Leste and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. As part of its international work, HITAP has supported the development of HTA in countries such as India, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bhutan, Lao PDR, Senegal, Ghana and Kenya. HITAP has also developed resources for HTA researchers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, such as the Guide to Health Economic Analysis and Research (GEAR) and knowledge products such as an evidence package on “Non-communicable Disease Prevention: Best Buys, Wasted Buys, and Contestable Buys”, which was co-authored by global expert teams around the world. HITAP works closely with its regional partners through the Strengthening Active Partnerships for Policy and Health Intervention Research and Evaluation (SAPPHIRE), which includes Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan. In recognition of its efforts, in 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) cited HITAP as a research institute that was pivotal for the advancement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and, in 2019, the Wellcome Trust and Overseas Development Institute of the United Kingdom acknowledged HITAP as a health innovation/catalyst to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The HITAP International Unit (HIU) is committed to enhancing capacity building and strengthening partnerships with country collaborators through three strategic pillars: policy catalyst (cultivating and developing existing skills and knowledge), ambassadors (strengthening partnerships), and knowledge translators (facilitating effective knowledge management). Additionally, HITAP has expanded its scope to address emerging methods and priorities in HTA and health system research, including digital health, precision medicine, environmental health, and health equity as well as data science.
As a joint secretariat with the Ministry of Public Health, HITAP supports a priority programme under the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy 2022–2026, focusing on the convergence of digital health platforms and the implementation of health information systems in Thailand. In collaboration with partners, HITAP is developing reference cases for conducting economic evaluations of digital health and precision medicine interventions. Furthermore, its partnership with the Medical Innovation Development and Assessment Support (MIDAS), an entity functioning independently under HITAP aims to inform the research and development process, minimize resource inefficiencies, and align the priorities of both policymakers and developers. These initiatives exemplify HITAP’s adaptive approach to addressing complex and evolving challenges in global healthcare systems.
For more information, please visit our websites: https://www.hitap.net/en/ and https://thesapphire.health/
History of HITAP
- In 2007, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP) was formally established under the Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health.
- In 2008, HITAP supported the development of a quality of life measurement tool, which is necessary for the conduct of HTA.
- In 2008, HITAP in collaboration with Mahidol University developed a standard cost list for health care services with the aim that academia, researchers, and those who are interested were equipped with needed data on cost items.
- In 2009, cost-effectiveness of drugs was added to the criteria for drug inclusion considerations for the National List of Essential Medicine (NLEM). HITAP has acted as a member of Health Economic Working Group (HEWG) under the Subcommittee for development of National List of Essential Medicine since then.
- In 2009, the Subcommittee for Development of Benefit Package and Service Delivery (SCBP), National Health Security Office (NHSO) appointed the International Health Policy Program (IHPP) and HITAP to work as the secretary of the SCBP, producing methodologically sound researches to inform decisions for the development of the benefit package under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- In 2009, HITAP and other experts in HTA developed methodological guidelines for the conduct of HTA in Thailand. The guidelines were endorsed by the Subcommittee for Development of National List of Essential Medicine as a national standard methodology for conducting such studies in Thailand.
- In 2010, HITAP, in collaboration with Consortium of Thai Medical Schools, promoted rational use of drugs. As a mentor, HITAP provided technical support to medical school personnel in conducting HTA studies.
- In 2010, HITAP together with HTA bodies in Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia established HTA network for countries in Asia region, referred to as ‘HTAsiaLink’.
- In 2010, HITAP Foundation (HITAF) was established to manage and support HITAP’s work.
- In 2011, HITAP issued HTA process guidelines, detailing the steps for conducting a HTA study.
- In 2013, HITAP and other experts in health made a move to push through the Resolution of the World Health Organization (WHO) regional committee for South-East Asia on Health Intervention and Technology Assessment in Support of Universal Health Coverage.
- In 2014, HITAP International Unit (HIU) was established with the objective to provide technical and other supports on HTA for developing countries for institutionalized HTA system in those countries.
- In 2014, HITAP and other experts in health made a move to push through the Resolution of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Health Intervention and Technology Assessment in Support of Universal Health Coverage.
- In 2014, as the secretary of the Thailand National Health Assembly, HITAP assisted in drafting the decision on development of system and process for the conduct and the use of HTA in Thailand.
- In 2014, HITAP updated the quality of life measurement tool and the methodological guidelines for the conduct of HTA in Thailand. Currently, the guidelines are at their second edition.
