Assam: IIT Guwahati Hosts Conference on Health Technology Assessment
On January 19, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati hosted an international conference titled “Bioeconomy and Health Technology Assessment (HTA): Evidence for Better Health Decisions.” The event was a collaborative effort involving the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong (IIPHS), IIT Guwahati, and AIIMS Guwahati, along with the Health Technology Assessment in India initiative under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Purpose of the Conference
The primary aim of the conference was to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, clinicians, students, and public health professionals. Participants engaged in discussions about the critical role of evidence-based approaches in strengthening health systems across India. The event sought to enhance awareness and understanding of Health Technology Assessment, particularly among students and early-career researchers from non-economics backgrounds, to foster a multidisciplinary approach to health and service delivery.
Understanding Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, costs, and broader impacts of health technologies. These technologies encompass a wide range of interventions, including medicines, diagnostics, devices, and public health initiatives. HTA plays a pivotal role in guiding health policy and resource allocation by integrating various research methodologies, including engineering, clinical, public health, and economic research.
Inaugural Session
The conference commenced with an inaugural session chaired by Prof. Utpal Bora, Head of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Guwahati, alongside Prof. Sandra Albert, Director of IIPH Shillong. The formal inauguration was conducted by Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati. Following the inauguration, Kavitha Rajsekar, Scientist-F at the Indian Council of Medical Research–Department of Health Research, provided an overview of HTA activities in India.
Technical Sessions
The conference featured several technical sessions that delved into key components of HTA. Notable presentations included:
- Gaurav Jyani from PGIMER Chandigarh discussed the valuation of health outcomes and its relevance for economic evaluation.
- Beena Joshi from ICMR-NIRRH, Mumbai, highlighted the use of HTA evidence in policymaking and the challenges of translating research into actionable decisions.
- Somen Saha from IIPH Gandhinagar presented on costing methodologies, outlining approaches for measuring costs in HTA studies.
Oral Paper Presentation Session
A highlight of the conference was the oral paper presentation session, moderated by Phulen Sarma of AIIMS Guwahati. Seven presentations showcased ongoing HTA research from various institutions across India. The topics included:
- Cost-effectiveness analysis of AI-assisted chest X-ray tools for tuberculosis detection.
- Economic evaluation of HPV DNA diagnostics for cervical cancer.
- Assessment of newborn screening technologies.
- Maternal nutrition interventions.
- Tools for improving HTA modelling.
This session underscored the wide application of HTA methods across both clinical and public health domains.
Poster Session
Following the oral presentations, a poster session provided participants with the opportunity to engage in discussions, share research ideas, and explore potential collaborations. The posters demonstrated a strong interest among young researchers in applying HTA methods to address various health system challenges.
Afternoon Sessions
The afternoon session featured a presentation by Bhaskar Borgohain of NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, who discussed the evaluation of a lightweight prosthesis, emphasizing the role of HTA in medical innovation. This was followed by a talk from Biju Soman of SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram, on the use of free and open-source software in HTA.
An international perspective was provided by Saudamini V. Dabak of HITAP, Thailand, who shared insights on topic prioritization in HTA based on the Thai experience.
Concluding Interactive Session
The conference concluded with an interactive session that involved policymakers, speakers, and participants. The discussion focused on the challenges of conducting HTA in India, capacity-building needs, and opportunities for collaboration. The event highlighted the increasing importance of HTA in enhancing evidence-based health decision-making and the necessity of building a skilled workforce within India’s health ecosystem.
Conclusion
The conference at IIT Guwahati served as a significant platform for promoting Health Technology Assessment and its application in improving health outcomes in India. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the event aimed to strengthen health systems through evidence-based practices.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the conference held on January 19, 2026, and aims to provide an overview of the discussions and findings shared during the event.
