Health technology assessment in the Philippines.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to discuss the development of health technology assessment (HTA) in the Philippines.


METHODS
A new national health insurance program began to be implemented in the Philippines in 1995 after passage of the Health Insurance Act.


RESULTS
The program is known as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). HTA was introduced to the Philippines in 1998. PhilHealth began to develop an HTA program subsequently.


CONCLUSIONS
As a developing country struggling to provide comprehensive health care to all citizens, PhilHealth sees HTA as an essential part of assuring that only effective and cost-effective care is provided for the public sector.
De Rosas-Valera
Madeleine
M
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Pasig City, Philippines. madz_valera@yahoo.com
D006291:Health Policy; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D007348:Insurance, Health; D010679:Philippines; D016730:Program Development; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000266:history