New Delhi, January 3: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has been recognized for the second consecutive year as India’s leading Health Technology Assessment (HTA) institution, receiving the prestigious gold award from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Award Presented at National HTA Conclave
The award was conferred during the national HTA Conclave, ARISE 2025, held on December 17, 2025, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The event, hosted by DHR–HTAIn, saw participation from over 130 representatives of HTA resource centres across the country.
Top Officials Grace the Ceremony
Senior dignitaries, including NITI Aayog health member Prof. Vinod Paul, Department of Health Research Secretary Dr. Rajiv Bahl, and Joint Secretary Anu Nagar, addressed the gathering. Prof. Paul and Dr. Bahl formally presented the award, highlighting PGIMER’s sustained leadership in health technology assessment.
Keynote Highlights Vision for HTA Expansion
Prof. Vinod Paul, in his keynote address, outlined plans to expand HTAIn’s reach, emphasizing the role of evidence-based research in shaping health policy. The conclave also featured launches and insights that underscored the growing importance of HTA in India’s healthcare landscape.
PGIMER’s HTA Resource Hub Drives Excellence
PGIMER’s recognition stems from its HTA Resource Hub under the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health. Led by Prof. Shankar Prinja, a senior health economist, the hub has been pivotal in strengthening national capacity for evidence-based health policymaking.
HTA’s Role in a Developed India
Addressing the conclave, Prof. Vinod Paul stressed that India’s vision of Viksit Bharat relies on strong, reliable institutions. He noted that HTA ensures public funds are efficiently allocated to interventions that deliver the greatest and most equitable health benefits.
Policy Impact and National Progress
Dr. Rajiv Bahl reflected on India’s eight-year journey in HTA, noting its role as a key policy instrument. HTA has guided Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY reimbursement rates, value-based procurement of medical devices, and coverage decisions informed by scientific evidence.
Acknowledging PGIMER’s Contribution
Dr. Bahl praised Prof. Prinja and the PGIMER team for their consistent efforts in expanding HTA capacity nationwide, while emphasizing the need for further institutional strengthening and skilled manpower to keep pace with evolving medical technologies.
