Spain

The Ministry of Health has commissioned the Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS) to develop, with the collaboration of the various agencies that make up the Spanish Network of Agencies for the Evaluation of Health Technologies and Benefits (RedETS), a specific methodological framework for the evaluation of digital health technologies that would allow a comprehensive assessment of this type of technology. The methodological framework is in the final phase of development.

In February 2023, it was announced that the Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) initiated several HTAs, including evaluations in the e-health, radiology, nephrology and urology, cardiovascular, IVD, obstetrics and gynecology, diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, neurovascular, ENT, interventional radiology, surgical procedures, and some other fields.

In the second half of December 2022, the Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) released a report aiming to evaluate mitral valve repair surgery as an alternative to mitral valve replacement.

On October 28, 2022, several Resolutions of the General Directorate of the Common Package of Benefits of the National Health and Pharmacy System were published concerning the use of the system for percutaneous repair of the mitral valve with clip, prioritization of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for the provision of glucose monitoring systems, and the use of glucose monitoring system with sensors (flash type) for type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood and adolescence.

On October 19, 2022, it was announced by the Ministry of Health that the 2023 General State Budget in the field of health would comprise €2,746.17 million, which is €199.32 million (7.83%) more than in 2022. The aim is to strengthen the National Health System (SNS) and achieve a more robust, more equitable, and more modern system capable of adapting to the population's health needs.

On September 5, 2022, it was announced that the Interterritorial Council for the Spanish National Health System (CISNS) approved the distribution of funds to the Autonomous Communities for the fight against cancer. The aim is to boost the screening programs for colorectal and cervical cancer.

On July 20, 2022, Health Institute Carlos III released two HTA reports regarding endoanchoring systems in endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and transanal irrigation in bowel dysfunction.

On July 5, 2022, it was announced by the Ministry of Health that the Council of Ministers authorized the tender for the purchase of ten units of equipment for the treatment with proton therapy and associated electromedical equipment for an estimated value of €271 million (VAT included).

On May 31, 2022, it was announced by the Ministry of Health that the Council of Ministers authorized the distribution of almost €400 million for the renovation of high-tech equipment in the National Health System (SNS) through the High-End Technology Equipment Investment Plan (INVEAT) of the SNS.

On February 21, 2022, it was announced by the Ministry of Health that the public consultation regarding the Draft Order amending the Common Package of Benefits of the National Health System (SNS) was open. The amendments and clarifications are related to the fields of in-vitro diagnostics, ENT, pulmonary and airways, e-health, neurology, dental care, radiology, and enteral nutrition.

On January 18, 2022, the Ministry of Health has awarded the Framework Agreement for the acquisition of 81 linear accelerators included in the High-End Technology Equipment Investment Plan. Furthermore, the National Institute of Health Management (INGESA) has also initiated the processing of the Framework Agreement that will facilitate the acquisition of the equipment in the fields of interventional cardiology, interventional vascular radiology, interventional neurovascular, digital brachytherapy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, PET-CT, SPECT-CT.

In January 2022, the Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) released an HTA report aiming to assess and compare the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of the mechanical circulatory support devices most used in the healthcare setting for the treatment and prevention of cardiogenic shock, including Impella® devices, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.