The Kalam Institute of Health Technology (KIHT), a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Health Innovation at Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), hosted the 11th International Fellowship on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) from October 12 to 17, 2026, at the World Trade Centre on the AMTZ campus in Visakhapatnam. The six-day programme brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and academicians to strengthen their understanding of how clinical evidence and economic evaluation can support decisions on healthcare technologies.
The fellowship covered the principles and global landscape of HTA, scientific literature searches, institutionalisation of HTA, cost-effectiveness analysis and budget impact assessment. Participants also studied decision and Markov modelling, health equity, study design, bias assessment, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, network meta-analysis, statistical methods and advanced evidence synthesis.
Practical sessions included case studies, live demonstrations and exercises on the use of machine learning and causal inference in health technology assessment. The programme was designed to help participants assess the clinical benefits, safety, costs and broader implications of healthcare interventions.
The faculty included Prof Anirban Basu of the University of Washington, Prof Prakesh Shah, Dr Ashoo Grover of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Shankar Prinja, Dr. Vasumathi, D. Kavita Kachroo, Chief Operating Officer of KIHT, and Dr Jitendra Sharma, Executive Director of KIHT, along with members of the institute’s team. Dr Jitendra Sharma said medical technology innovation must be supported by evidence on clinical benefits, safety and economic value. He added that stronger HTA capabilities would help ensure that decisions on healthcare technologies reflect available evidence and healthcare needs.
Dr Kavita Kachroo said HTA provides professionals with practical methods to evaluate the benefits, risks and costs of healthcare interventions, supporting decisions on technology adoption and resource allocation. KIHT is linked to the Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) initiative under the Department of Health Research. Through training and capacity-building programmes, the institute supports the development of skills in the clinical and economic evaluation of health technologies. The fellowship also included a tour of the AMTZ campus, interactive discussions and a valedictory ceremony. It served as a contact programme for related executive certificate initiatives in health technology assessment.
Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) is India’s premier medical technology manufacturing hub, dedicated to fostering innovation, reducing import dependency, and promoting self-sufficiency in the healthcare sector. Located in Visakhapatnam, AMTZ provides a world-class ecosystem for medical device manufacturing, research, and development. The zone features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including testing labs, regulatory support, and incubation facilities, enabling companies to develop cutting-edge medical technologies. With a strong focus on affordability, quality, and accessibility, AMTZ plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure and positioning the country as a global leader in medical device manufacturing.
