Health Tech Centers Crucial to Affordable Healthcare in India, Says J.P. Nadda
New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) – The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) initiative is playing a vital role in supporting the Indian government’s commitment to providing affordable, equitable, and accessible healthcare for all citizens, according to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. Speaking at the third International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA 2025) held at Bharat Mandapam, Nadda emphasized the government’s dedication to fortifying India’s healthcare system, ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for everyone.
“The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is playing a critical role in advancing evidence-based policy-making to build an efficient, equitable, and high-quality health system, aligned with the goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” Nadda stated.
The Minister highlighted the widespread reach of HTA India resource centers, which are currently established across 19 states, emphasizing their significance in establishing healthcare priorities. He noted that these centers have significantly aided various health initiatives, including tuberculosis detection, healthcare cost optimization, and the integration of evidence-based data into national health programs.
Nadda also pointed to the government’s comprehensive approach to healthcare, which emphasizes preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services. He noted that the establishment of 22 state-of-the-art AIIMS (All India Institutes of Medical Sciences) facilities represents a major step forward, alongside a substantial increase in MBBS and MD seats, as well as increased training for paramedic and nursing staff.
Furthering its commitment to healthcare, the government is poised to create an additional 75,000 seats within the medical sector, building on the 30,000 seats already created last year.
During the event, Nadda also unveiled significant initiatives, including the Patent Mitra initiative, developed under the guidance of NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) and supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
“Our country is taking a significant leap towards supporting our innovators. The platform is designed to provide crucial support to the scientists, researchers, and institutions ensuring that their ground-breaking works are protected through patents and made available to the public through seamless technology transfer,” he said.
The Medical Innovations Patent Mitra will offer support to ICMR Institutes, ICMR Extramural Grantees, and medical colleges/institutes. It will provide various services, including patentability assessments, patent filings in India, and assistance with patent prosecution. The program will aid in technology transfer initiatives as well, providing mentorship for transitioning innovations to industry partners via avenues like the Med Tech “Mela” and paperless Expression of Interest (EOI) processes.
