Objectives This study aimed to describe the process of the institutionalization of
health technology assessment (HTA) in Jordan. In particular, this study presents local
policy perspectives on capacity building for HTA and the progress made toward its
use in pricing and reimbursement decisions. HTA capacity building University-based
education and professional development training in pharmacoeconomics and pharmaceutical
policy have been the starting points to create a receptive environment, necessary
expertise, and local tools across many settings in Jordan. International collaboration
with HTA supporting bodies helped to build connections and informed policy development
on local levels through projects, meetings, and discussions. HTA institutionalization
and its use in pricing and reimbursement decisions Institutionalizing HTA in the King
Hussein Cancer Center and the Royal Medical Services was the driving factor for HTA
implementation and practice advancement; nevertheless, process transparency and experience
sharing through reports and publications are still limited. The Jordan Food and Drug
Administration’s pricing and formulary decisions require pharmacoeconomic consultation
in selected cases according to the Jordanian Drug Law. Nevertheless, there is a lack
of local methodological guidelines for conducting HTA. In addition, HTA practitioners
and the regulatory scope of future HTA activities in Jordan cannot be determined yet.
Recommendations and future directions Over the past 2 decades, Jordan has crossed
a number of milestones and advanced further to implement HTA as a tool for evaluating
health interventions. As a next step, legislation is needed to mandate the use of
HTA and to enhance transparency in decision-making processes.
