The National Health Authority (NHA), which implements the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The renewed collaboration aims to strengthen evidence-based decision-making and improve healthcare delivery across India's key health plans. 

The MoU was formally signed by Dr Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Chief Executive Officer of the NHA, and Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of DHR and Director General of ICMR. Senior authorities, including Ms Jyoti Yadav, Joint Secretary (AB-PMJAY); Dr Pankaj Arora, Director at NHA; and members from the Red Cross Society, attended the signing event. 

The relationship between NHA and DHR/ICMR, which began in November 2019, has already improved the design of Health Benefit Packages (HBPs) under AB-PMJAY by using Health Technology Assessment (HTA) concepts. These assessments have helped NHA evaluate medical technology and procedures for clinical efficacy, economic efficiency, and equity of access. The renewed agreement underscores the common goal of ensuring that India's healthcare investments yield measurable results and improve patient outcomes. 

The collaboration has expanded its scope to include the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. DHR and ICMR will collaborate with NHA on the Health Technology Assessment India (HTAIn) effort to examine the impact of digital health tools such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine systems, and AI-driven diagnostics. The goal is to make these technologies accessible, affordable, and sustainable within India's expanding digital health ecosystem. 

Key areas of collaboration include rationalising reimbursement rates through the National Costing Initiative, standardising disease management protocols with DHR/ICMR's Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs), and conducting targeted operational research to improve patient safety and healthcare delivery efficiency. 

Globally, countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have long used HTA frameworks to guide health policy and technology development. India's enhanced emphasis on data-driven assessment and digital innovation reflects a growing international consensus that universal health care requires thorough evaluation and equitable implementation. 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through the NHA, DHR, and ICMR, is getting closer to its objective of Universal Health Coverage, which ensures that every citizen has access to safe, high-quality, and affordable healthcare.