Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section

Incorporating Qualitative Research in HTA At MaHTAS, we recognize the value of qualitative research in delivering comprehensive and people-centered health technology assessments (HTA). Over the years, we have actively integrated qualitative methods and patient and public involvement (PPI) into various aspects of our work. For instance, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather insights for the assessment of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS), ensuring that patient and caregiver perspectives were central to our evaluation. Similarly, we employed key informant interviews to explore the topic of disinvestment, capturing the nuanced views of stakeholders and decision-makers among others. As the saying goes, "numbers alone often cannot capture the full story". Qualitative research bridges this gap by diving into the how and why. It explores the human experiences, behaviors, and contexts that underpin healthcare decisions. By providing rich, contextual insights, qualitative research enhances evidence-based decision-making, answering critical policy questions and ensuring that the voices of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers are heard. Today, MaHTAS was privileged to host an introductory workshop on Qualitative Research in Health Technology Assessment, delivered by Dr. Athirah and Dr. Wilfred from the National Institute of Health (NIH). This session aimed to equip participants with the tools to better understand the role of qualitative methods in addressing complex healthcare challenges. The workshop provided foundational knowledge on the principles, methodologies, and practical steps in qualitative research. Participants explored how these approaches can inform decision-making, evaluate policies, and complement quantitative findings to create a more comprehensive understanding of health technologies. We also gained valuable insights from Dr. Athirah and Dr. Wilfred, who shared their experiences in applying various qualitative strategies and techniques in their past studies, including photovoice, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Athirah and Dr. Wilfred for their expertise and dedication. Their session not only deepened our appreciation for qualitative research but also inspired us to integrate its insights into our ongoing work at MaHTAS.

HTA Protocol Meeting 9 January 2025 BM 1, Block E1, MOH We are excited to announce the successful presentation of our protocol for evaluating monoclonal antibody therapies (Ofatumumab, Rituximab, Ocrelizumab) for relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (rMS) to our expert committee during a productive virtual session held today. The expert consists of the Neurologist, Physicians and Pharmacist from government and academic sectors. This initiative follows a meticulous Health Technology Assessment (HTA) work process, which began with the identification and prioritization of this critical topic. This topic has been prioritized for HTA in the HTA-CPG Council 1/2023 meeting. Protocol development followed subsequently in the HTA work process, defining the scope of assessment. A dedicated expert committees are elected to provide technical input on the subject being assessed. Following that, in-depth systematic review of scientific evidence and local economic evaluations will be conducted. Our protocol presentation marked a significant milestone in this process, focusing on the therapies' effectiveness, safety, cost implications, and broader impacts including organizational, social, ethical and legal. The virtual platform provided an opportunity for insightful discussions, ensuring the protocol and hence the assessment provide meaningful recommendations and answering the policy questions, further facilitating its adoption. We are immensely grateful for the Expert Committee valuable input and are committed to advancing this project to enhance the delivery of high quality care for patients with rMS in this country. #HealthTechnologyAssessment #mahtas #bahagianperkembanganperubatan #kementeriankesihatanmalaysia

On 6th January 2025, MaHTAS kicked off the new year with a productive visit to Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) to explore potential collaborations within the clinical research ecosystem. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Akhmal Yusof, CEO of CRM, and his team for warmly hosting us. The visit began with an introduction to both CRM and MaHTAS, followed by an engaging discussion on the clinical research landscape, with a particular focus on local research development and achievements. As The MOH Single Door for Health Industry, MaHTAS is committed to strengthening partnerships with CRM to advance healthcare innovation in Malaysia. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey!

Why is HTA important?

🌟 Happy New Year 2025 from MaHTAS! 🌟 As we step into 2025, MaHTAS is proud to continue championing evidence-based solutions in healthcare through our core areas of expertise: ✅ Health Technology Assessment (HTA) – Ensuring healthcare technologies are effective, safe, and impactful. ✅ Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) – Developing clear and practical guidelines for better clinical decision-making. ✅ Horizon Scanning – Staying ahead by identifying emerging healthcare technologies. ✅ Health Industry Engagement – Fostering partnerships with industries for innovative healthcare solutions. ✅ Health Economics and Value-Based Healthcare – Advancing cost-effective and sustainable healthcare practices. ✅ Public Health Interventions – Driving impactful strategies to improve public health outcomes. Together, we’ll continue striving for excellence, collaboration, and innovation to build a healthier Malaysia for everyone. 💙 Thank you for your support, and here’s to another year of progress and success!

The Global Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Community refers to a worldwide network of professionals, researchers, policymakers, and organizations focused on using evidence-based methods to evaluate health technologies and interventions. The primary goal of HTA is to ensure that health systems adopt cost-effective, safe, and impactful technologies to improve patient outcomes and optimize the use of resources. Key Elements of the Global HTA Community: 1. Diverse Stakeholders: •Includes healthcare professionals, public health experts, researchers, government policymakers, industry representatives, and patient advocacy groups. •Encourages collaboration across disciplines to address complex healthcare challenges. 2. Scope of Activities: •Evaluation of medical devices, drugs, procedures, health intervention, system and public health programs. •Emphasis on evidence-based decision-making in healthcare policy. •Focus on clinical effectiveness, safety, health economic and social impact. 3. Global Organizations: •INAHTA (International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment): A coalition of HTA agencies sharing knowledge and resources. •HTAi (Health Technology Assessment International): A professional society fostering global collaboration. 4. Challenges: •Variations in healthcare systems, resources, and priorities between countries. •Ensuring equity in access to healthcare technologies globally. •Adapting HTA frameworks to accommodate emerging technologies like AI in healthcare. 5. Impact: •Guides healthcare investment decisions, ensuring value for money. •Promotes equitable access to healthcare innovations worldwide. •Supports sustainable development of healthcare systems, especially in low-and middle-income countries.

Revolutionising Healthcare at HealthTech Innovation Connect 2024 🩺 Co-organised with MaHTAS, HealthTech Innovation Connect 2024 showcased groundbreaking advancements and collaborations in healthtech innovation.  Highlights included:    💡 Key discussions on healthtech transformation, clinical research, and digital health regulatory frameworks   💡 Insights into leveraging government funding for innovation and fostering local healthtech solutions   💡 Keynote by YB Dato' Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni, Deputy Minister of Health, on *Collaborating for a Healthier Future*   💡 The launch of the MoH Single Door for Health Industry, streamlining innovation access and partnerships  This impactful event strengthened Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem, driving innovation and sustainable growth.  📅 Stay tuned for more updates from I-Nation Global Summit 2024!  #INationGlobalSummit2024 #MRANTI #HealthTechInnovationConnect2024 

We at MaHTAS are delighted to be appoint as MOH Single-Door for Health Industry. This initiative was recently launched by the Deputy Minister of Health, Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni. This initiative aims to streamline processes for the development, assessment, adoption, and implementation of health technologies by establishing the HealthTech Hub as a centralized platform. The services offered under the Single-Door Initiative include early scientific advice, facilitation of testing in healthcare facilities, and a range of health technology assessments. As the first technology introduced under this initiative, Diabetic Retinopathy Inference with Multi Artificial Neural Network Technology Automation, referred to as DR.MATA, is an innovative AI-powered solution. DR.MATA is designed to detect and diagnose diabetic retinopathy, delivering significant benefits such as early detection, improved accessibility, and enhanced patient outcomes. The Single-Door Initiative brings numerous benefits by fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and promoting collaboration among agencies, ministries, and industries. It provides a transparent and streamlined approach to health technology development and adoption, ensuring efficient resource utilization and alignment with national healthcare priorities. This initiative not only accelerates the introduction of innovative solutions but also builds trust and synergy among stakeholders, driving sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.

Our public health specialist and Head of Horizon Scanning Unit, MaHTAS, Dr Syaqirah Akmal was invited as a guest speaker and panelist at the International Symposium on Advancing National Immunization Programs in Asia (China) in Beijing, China from 3-4 December 2024. With her topic on "Evidence-based Decision Making in Vaccine Introduction - Malaysia's journey", Dr Syaqirah shared on health technology assessment and MaHTAS - its pertinent role in EBM, translating evidence into policy & implementation of immunisation programme in Malaysia. She joined esteemed panelists in stimulating discussion on "Tackling the challenges of MICs for universal vaccine coverage" addressing the shared challenges and exchanging best practices in funding and the new vaccine introduction into NIP/EPI programmes in China and Asia. The session was moderated by Prof Dr. Minghui Ren-Prof of Global Health at Peking University and the former ADG of WHO and row of panelists included Lance Rodewald, Sr. Advisor, Immunization Center, China, Prof Sri Rezeki S. Hadinegoro, Chairman of ITAGI, Indonesia and Ravi Rannan Eliya, Executive Director, Institute for Health Policy, Sri Lanka. The symposium was organised by Global Health Research Center at the Duke Kunshan University, funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with Center for International Knowledge Development (CIKD), an affiliated institution of the State Council of China. The symposium was successful in stimulating knowledge sharing & experience between key stakeholders from international organizations, academic institutions, and governments in China and Asia. Audiences were mainly public health professionals from disease prevention and control centers (China national and provincial), government officials from health sector from Asia, researchers from China's unversities, and international organisations. Indeed it was a priviledge to have MaHTAS speaker invited to the esteemed event. It is hope that together countries in Asia region will continue to explore & collaborate in groundbreaking research and innovative strategies to improve immunisation efforts worldwide.

From 3rd to 4th December 2024, the HealthTech Innovation Connect (HTIC) 2024 took place at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur. Organized as part of the I-Nation Global Summit 2024 by MRANTI, this flagship annual event brought together leaders and experts in technology and innovation under the theme of "mission-driven." The conference and satellite events aimed to tackle national challenges, drive impactful solutions, and promote collaboration among stakeholders for societal benefit. The event featured 32 exhibition booths, including 11 from the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Attendees also benefited from a free consultation clinic offering advisory services from key regulatory bodies such as the Medical Device Authority (MDA), National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) , Bahagian Kawalselia Radiasi Perubatan (RADIA), and Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS). With 400 registered participants, HTIC 2024 demonstrated strong engagement and interest in advancing health tech innovation. #MaHTAS #HealthTechInnovation #HTIC2024