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The European Commission has put forward proposals on how European countries can work together to assess health technology.
The proposed Health Technology Assessment (HTA) will use information on the medical, social, economic, and ethical elements of a health technology in what is described as a “systematic, transparent, unbiased and robust manner”.
European Commission vice-president Jyrki Katainen said: “Reinforcing Health Technology Assessment co-operation at EU level boosts innovation and improves competitiveness of the medical industry.
“The healthcare sector is a crucial part of our economy; it accounts for approximately 10% of the EU’s GDP. We are proposing a regulatory framework that will bring benefits to patients all over Europe, while encouraging innovation, helping the take-up of high-quality medtech innovations and improving the sustainability of health systems across the EU.”
Under the proposals, EU member states will be able to use common HTA tools, methodologies and procedures across the EU, working together in four main areas: joint clinical assessments; joint scientific consultations; the identification of emerging health technologies; and continuing voluntary cooperation in other areas.
Individual EU countries will continue to be responsible for assessing non-clinical aspects of health technology, and making decisions on pricing and reimbursement.
The proposals will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
