Supporting Ukraine's healthcare ambitions
Case study
NICE International is part of the NHS in England’s health technology assessment (HTA) body, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The team supports countries to improve their own nation’s health and wellbeing. It does this by sharing best practice and helping to drive improvements in evidence-based decision-making.
In this case study, we explore NICE International’s collaboration with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. NICE International has been supporting them to take initial steps towards embedding HTA processes in Ukraine.
“Globally, NICE is one of the most authoritative HTA agencies. We are grateful to our British counterparts for sharing their knowledge and expertise. I look forward to our continued partnership, working together to improve patient access to effective treatments and care.”
NICE International began their work with Ukraine by hosting a virtual roundtable with the UK Department for Business and Trade and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. Ukrainian representatives from government, industry, patient organisations and medical education establishments attended. The roundtable focused on HTA and covered topics including:
- methods and processes
- stakeholder engagement
- managed access agreements.
Nigel Huddleston MP, minister for international trade, pledges the UK Government's support for Ukraine.
Nigel Huddleston MP, minister for international trade, pledges the UK Government's support for Ukraine.
A focus on governance
NICE International followed this up by welcoming a Ukrainian delegation to their London office. Joined by UK experts from NHS England, the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Health and Social Care, this 2-day event focused on NICE’s institutional and governance arrangements including our:
- legislative framework
- charter
- principles
- Centre for Health Technology Evaluation – its structure and functions.
NICE International welcomes the Ukrainian delegation.
NICE International welcomes the Ukrainian delegation.
“NICE’s success lies in its independence, transparency, approach to managing conflicts of interests, and commitment to consultation. We hope to emulate these principles in Ukraine.”
A deep dive into technology evaluation
NICE International then ran a series of virtual knowledge transfer seminars with our Ukrainian colleagues. Topics covered included:
- horizon scanning and topic selection
- patient and public involvement
- budget impact assessments.
Benefits and next steps
- Following a review from NICE, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health published its updated HTA manual in October 2023. This is a significant step towards embedding HTA processes in Ukraine.
- The Ukrainian Ministry of Health, along with key HTA stakeholders, has observed one of our HTA committee meetings and will have a de-brief with the committee chair.
- NICE International and partners will deliver technical training to Ukraine on health technology evaluation, building capability within the country.
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