Islamic Bioethics in Health Technology Assessment: A Review of Key Ethical Frameworks

Health technology assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process that systematically examines the clinical, economic, social, and ethical impacts of health technologies. Its main purpose is to support healthcare decision-making by providing evidence on the value of medical interventions, including drugs, devices, procedures, and organizational systems. As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with rising costs, aging populations, and rapid advances in medical innovation, HTA plays an increasingly vital role in ensuring that healthcare solutions are not only safe and effective but also economically sustainable. The evolution of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) has increasingly incorporated ethical and social considerations alongside traditional clinical outcomes. This shift acknowledges the necessity of integrating diverse cultural and moral perspectives, particularly in a globalized healthcare environment. One significant framework gaining attention is Islamic bioethics, which offers unique insights into ethical dilemmas faced in predominantly Muslim societies. The integration of such frameworks into HTA processes is essential for ensuring that health technologies are evaluated comprehensively, reflecting the cultural and religious values that influence healthcare decisions in these regions. This article aims to analyzing key ethical frameworks in Islamic bioethics that could be effectively integrated into HTA. In doing so, it seeks to offer a more culturally and ethically sensitive approach to healthcare decision-making in Muslim populations, ensuring that religious values and biomedical ethics are aligned in a balanced and harmonious manner.