India and Sri Lanka Join Hands to Strengthen Health Technology Decisions

India and Sri Lanka have taken a major step to improve healthcare decision-making by launching a five-day workshop on Health Technology Assessment in New Delhi. The initiative focuses on building stronger systems, sharing expertise, and ensuring healthcare choices are based on evidence and affordability.

A New Push In Healthcare Collaboration

The five-day India–Sri Lanka workshop on Health Technology Assessment marks an important moment in regional healthcare cooperation. Senior officials described it as a strategic milestone that goes beyond training. It reflects India’s intent to support neighbouring countries in building stronger and smarter health systems.

The workshop began at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi. It is hosted by the Department of Health Research under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. Delegates from Sri Lanka are participating closely in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Why Health Technology Assessment Matters

Health Technology Assessment, often called HTA, helps governments decide which medicines, devices, and health programs give the best value. It looks at safety, effectiveness, and cost. This approach ensures that limited public money is spent wisely.

For countries like Sri Lanka, institutionalising HTA can lead to better health outcomes and more transparent decisions. India has already built strong systems in this area, making it a useful partner in this journey.

India’s Experience With HTAIn

During the inaugural session, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, welcomed the delegates. He highlighted how India’s HTA framework has evolved over the years.

Anu Nagar, Additional Secretary at DHR, spoke about the impact of Health Technology Assessment in India, known as HTAIn. She explained how HTAIn has helped evaluate healthcare technologies and guide policy choices using solid evidence. Her remarks reflected confidence that Sri Lanka can adapt similar models successfully.

What The Workshop Will Cover

The workshop is designed to be practical and detailed. Sessions will explore institutional frameworks, governance models, and assessment methods used in HTA. Pricing and procurement decisions will also be discussed, which are critical for affordable healthcare.

Officials said the aim is not only to share knowledge but also to identify areas where both countries can collaborate further. This includes strengthening technical capacity and building long-term systems for evidence-based health planning.

Strengthening Transparent Health Decisions

India has created HTAIn under the Department of Health Research to support transparent and informed health decisions. The institution is responsible for gathering and generating evidence on clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of health technologies.

By sharing this experience, India is helping Sri Lanka move toward similar evidence-driven frameworks. This can reduce waste, improve trust in public health systems, and ensure patients receive better care.

A Step Toward Regional Health Growth

This collaboration shows how healthcare diplomacy can create real impact. It brings together policy, science, and public welfare in one platform. The workshop is expected to lay the foundation for stronger health systems in Sri Lanka while reinforcing India’s role as a regional health partner.

As discussions continue over the five days, both nations are working toward a shared goal. Smarter health choices, better outcomes, and sustainable healthcare for the future.