BackgroundThe Egyptian healthcare system is currently in the early phase of health
technology assessment (HTA) implementation. The aim of this study is to propose an
implementation roadmap based on the national healthcare system status.MethodsA
survey was conducted among Egyptian healthcare sector decision-makers to assess the
current and future (preferred) HTA implementation status in Egypt based on a widely
used international scorecard methodology. Subsequently, interviews were conducted
with experts representing middle- and top-tier management in the Egyptian healthcare
system to interpret the survey results and recommend specific actions.ResultsExperts
recommended more capacity-building programs for HTA and health economics. Additionally,
they proposed establishing HTA units in separate healthcare authorities and merging
them into a single central HTA unit in the long term. Regarding the scope of implementation,
experts recommended commencing with the assessment of innovative pharmaceuticals,
and thereafter, expanding the scope to cover all health technologies in the long term.
Additionally, they recommended using innovative tools such as “multi-criteria decision
analysis (MCDA)” for tendering, and “managed entry agreements” for reimbursement decisions.
Local burden of diseases and costing studies were also recommended to facilitate the
implementation of HTA.ConclusionExperts agreed that several actions are
required for successful HTA implementation in Egypt, including coordination between
HTA bodies, application of an explicit MCDA framework, and strengthening of local
evidence generation. To implement these actions, investment in technical capacity-building
is indispensable. Most experts favored using multiple and soft cost-effectiveness
thresholds. Efforts should be made to publish HTA submission guidelines and timelines
of the processes.
