Tomas Tesar1, Adam Hloska2, Martin Wawruch3, Lubica Lehocka4, Miroslava Snopkova4, Lucia Masarykova4. 1. Department of Organization and Management in Pharmacy,Faculty of Pharmacy,Comenius University in Bratislavatesar@fpharm.uniba.sk. 2. Department of Pharmacology,Jessenius Faculty of Medicine,Comenius University in Bratislava. 3. Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology,Faculty of Medicine,Comenius University in Bratislava. 4. Department of Organization and Management in Pharmacy,Faculty of Pharmacy,Comenius University in Bratislava.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to describe approaches to health technology assessment (HTA) for medicines in the Slovak healthcare system and the related decision-making processes concerning reimbursement for medicines. METHODS: Analysis of the Slovak legislative framework related to HTA and the reimbursement process for medicines was performed. Additionally, current practices of the Working Group for Pharmacoeconomics, Clinical Outcomes and Health Technology Assessment of the Slovak Ministry of Health were evaluated. RESULTS: In Slovakia, there is always at least one treatment available in each determined therapeutic class with no co-payment. HTA is becoming an established method for the evaluation of cost-effectiveness of medicines in Slovak healthcare policy. The majority of decision makers within Slovakia support the idea of increased use of and the quality and efficiency of HTA methods. However, it is crucial to overcome several practical barriers to facilitate progress in the field of HTA in the Slovak Republic. CONCLUSIONS: It can be seen that participation within the European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA JA 2 and EUnetHTA JA 3 projects) has significantly improved the quality of the process of HTA in Slovakia. Further legislative activities in this field are required due to the approved strategy for European Union cooperation on HTA.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to describe approaches to health technology assessment (HTA) for medicines in the Slovak healthcare system and the related decision-making processes concerning reimbursement for medicines. METHODS: Analysis of the Slovak legislative framework related to HTA and the reimbursement process for medicines was performed. Additionally, current practices of the Working Group for Pharmacoeconomics, Clinical Outcomes and Health Technology Assessment of the Slovak Ministry of Health were evaluated. RESULTS: In Slovakia, there is always at least one treatment available in each determined therapeutic class with no co-payment. HTA is becoming an established method for the evaluation of cost-effectiveness of medicines in Slovak healthcare policy. The majority of decision makers within Slovakia support the idea of increased use of and the quality and efficiency of HTA methods. However, it is crucial to overcome several practical barriers to facilitate progress in the field of HTA in the Slovak Republic. CONCLUSIONS: It can be seen that participation within the European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA JA 2 and EUnetHTA JA 3 projects) has significantly improved the quality of the process of HTA in Slovakia. Further legislative activities in this field are required due to the approved strategy for European Union cooperation on HTA.