The role of Health Technology Assessment in reimbursement decisions and pricing of new medicines across diverse healthcare systems

The rising costs of innovative medicines present a major challenge for public healthcare systems, particularly in countries striving for universal health coverage. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is critical in guiding reimbursement decisions and negotiating medicine prices, particularly in monopoly markets where pharmaceutical companies hold exclusive rights due to patent protection. This study examines how eight healthcare systems – England, Australia, Canada, Germany, Colombia, Mexico, India, and Brazil – utilise HTA in price negotiations for new medicines. By analysing the integration of HTA into pricing mechanisms, decision-making criteria, and economic evaluation methods, this research highlights significant disparities in terms of socioeconomic context, healthcare system management, and HTA maturity. These insights offer valuable policy recommendations for optimising HTA’s role in controlling medicine prices and ensuring sustainable healthcare financing.