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PGIMER Chandigarh: A Leader in Health Technology Assessment

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PGIMER Chandigarh: A Leader in Health Technology Assessment

  • 20 Dec, 2025
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PGIMER Chandigarh: A Beacon of Health Policy Research

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh has been recognized as India’s premier Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Institute for the second consecutive year. This prestigious title was awarded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) during the ARISE 2025 national conclave held in New Delhi. This accolade emphasizes PGIMER’s significant role in aiding the Government of India with evidence-based, cost-effective, and equitable healthcare policies.

About the ARISE 2025 Conclave

The award was presented at the ARISE 2025, a national conclave organized by HTA In at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The event gathered over 35 leading medical colleges and ICMR institutes actively engaged in HTA initiatives across the country. The honour was jointly bestowed by Prof. V K Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, and Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR).

Why PGIMER Was Selected

PGIMER’s leadership in HTA is rooted in its HTA Resource Hub, situated within the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health. This hub, established by the Department of Health Research, aims to bolster HTA capacity across India. It is led by Prof. Shankar Prinja, a Professor of Health Economics, who has been instrumental in advocating for evidence-informed decision-making at both national and state levels. This recognition follows PGIMER’s previous award at the ICMR–DHR Health Summit last year, marking a significant repeat achievement.

Significance of the Award

This recognition underscores the escalating importance of HTA in India's health reforms. HTA findings are now integral to major policy decisions, especially concerning large public health initiatives. Experts at the conclave noted that HTA has facilitated the government in:

  • Designing reimbursement rates under Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY
  • Ensuring value-based procurement of medical devices
  • Supporting transparent and rational coverage decisions
  • Improving efficiency and equity in healthcare spending

These results highlight how research institutions like PGIMER significantly impact real-world governance and health outcomes.

Key Takeaways

  • PGIMER Chandigarh has won India's Best HTA Institute award for the second consecutive year.
  • The award was presented at the ARISE 2025, organized by HTA In under MoHFW.
  • Health Technology Assessment fosters cost-effective, transparent, and equitable healthcare policies.
  • HTA supports major healthcare schemes like Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY.
  • This recognition signifies India’s transition towards evidence-based health policymaking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of the HTA award for PGIMER?
Answer: The HTA award highlights PGIMER's leadership in health policy research and its role in supporting evidence-based healthcare decisions in India.

Q2. Who presented the HTA award at ARISE 2025?
Answer: The award was presented by Prof. V K Paul from NITI Aayog and Dr. Rajiv Bahl, the Director-General of ICMR, during the ARISE 2025 conclave.

Q3. What is the role of HTA in healthcare reforms?
Answer: HTA plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare reforms by providing evidence for policy decisions, ensuring efficiency and equity in healthcare spending.

Q4. How does PGIMER contribute to evidence-based decision-making?
Answer: PGIMER contributes through its HTA Resource Hub, which promotes research and evidence-informed policies at national and state levels.

Q5. What impact has HTA had on public health programs in India?
Answer: HTA has significantly influenced public health programs by informing reimbursement rates and supporting rational coverage decisions, enhancing overall healthcare quality.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Which institute was awarded India's Best HTA Institute in 2023?
A) AIIMS
B) PGIMER Chandigarh
C) ICMR
D) NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What does HTA stand for in the context of healthcare?
A) Health Technology Assessment
B) Health Training Alliance
C) Health Treatment Authority
D) Health Trust Assessment
Correct Answer: A

Question 3: Who led the HTA Resource Hub at PGIMER?
A) Dr. Rajiv Bahl
B) Prof. V K Paul
C) Prof. Shankar Prinja
D) Prof. Anand Kumar
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What major public health scheme is supported by HTA findings?
A) Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY
B) Swachh Bharat Mission
C) National Health Mission
D) Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Correct Answer: A

Question 5: Where was the ARISE 2025 conclave held?
A) Mumbai
B) New Delhi
C) Bangalore
D) Kolkata
Correct Answer: B

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