Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2026

Iterative Development of an Innovative Smartphone-Based Dietary Assessment Tool: Traqq
Published on: March 19, 2021
Challenges of implementing health technology assessment in the Iranian pharmaceutical industry
Meysam Behzadifar1, Saeed Shahabi2, Ahad Bakhtiari3
1Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Background:
Health technology assessment remains underdeveloped in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with limited systematic application in the pharmaceutical sector.
Aim:
To identify the challenges facing the development and implementation of health technology assessment in the Iranian pharmaceutical industry.
Methods:
Between August and November 2024 we conducted in-depth interviews with 15 experts who have experience in implementing health technology assessment, on the development and implementation of health technology assessment in the pharmaceutical sector of Islamic Republic Iran. We used MAXQDA version 12 for data management and analysed the data using the Braun and Clarke's 6-step thematic analysis.
Results:
The major challenges identified were the absence of centralised health technology assessment governance for pharmaceuticals, insufficient and unstable funding, resistance to change, limited awareness about health technology assessment, limited health technology assessment capacity, absence of a legal enforcement framework, political interference, and the strong influence of pharmaceutical companies. Participants noted the availability of international partnerships on health technology assessment.
Conclusion:
Several complex and multilevel barriers hinder the development and implementation of health technology assessment in the Iranian pharmaceutical industry. There is a need for actions to strengthen health technology assessment in the country to support evidence-based policymaking, resource optimisation and equitable access to essential medicines.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Regulation
Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Drug Products: Biologics, Biosimilars and Interchangeables
Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test