Objectives: The aim of this study was to discuss the development of health technology assessment (HTA) in the Philippines.
Methods: A new national health insurance program began to be implemented in the Philippines in 1995 after passage of the Health Insurance Act.
Results: The program is known as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). HTA was introduced to the Philippines in 1998. PhilHealth began to develop an HTA program subsequently.
Conclusions: As a developing country struggling to provide comprehensive health care to all citizens, PhilHealth sees HTA as an essential part of assuring that only effective and cost-effective care is provided for the public sector.