As of 28 October 2025, the Health Technology Assessment Council has completed the evidence appraisal on the assessment of moderate complexity nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for the diagnosis multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with simultaneous isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (Rif) resistance testing for possible government financing. The HTA Council hereby releases its preliminary recommendation on the said health technology for stakeholder feedback/comments from 30 October to 14 November 2025.
This health technology was reviewed against clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) [local and approved by the Department of Health (DOH), such as the DOH Omnibus Health Guidelines (OHG); and/or international, but locally adopted guidelines], and existing recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). Further, costing analysis of this health technology was performed.
As a preliminary recommendation, the HTA Council recommends moderate complexity NAATs for the diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with simultaneous isoniazid and rifampicin resistance testing, for financing of DOH and/or PhilHealth.
The HTA Council recommends that the DOH refer to existing and future WHO Target Product Profiles (TPPs) relevant to this health technology when selecting brands for procurement.
Further, the HTA Council encourages the DOH to explore mechanisms that will lower the cost of this health technology.
For the supporting evidence reviewed and discussed by the HTA Council, please refer to the advisory and the evidence document below.
All comments, inputs, and/or appeals on the above preliminary recommendation may be submitted for the consideration by the HTA Council, through email at hta@dost.gov.ph. Please use the prescribed form for appeals indicated in the official HTA Philippines website [https://hta.dost.gov.ph/appeals-2/]. Appeals not following the prescribed format, and those submitted beyond the deadline shall not be entertained.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the preliminary recommendation, please contact us through the same email address.