Health economics and health technology assessment in Central and Eastern Europe: a dose of reality

Excerpt

It is an opinion widely shared, at least among health economics (HE) and health technology assessment (HTA) experts, that the need for HE and HTA is increasing due to two main factors. One is the more and more serious budget constraints of the recession, the other increasingly demanding policy makers and funders who require greater evidence for new and existing therapies. But is this really the case? Are policy makers and funders aware of the potentials and limitations of HE and HTA? If they are convinced and committed to use HE and HTA results, is there sufficient capacity at national level to provide the required HE and HTA evaluations both in terms of quantity and quality? Are these methodologies and results recognised or valued during the decision making process? …