German hospitals blast quality institute over stem cell therapy move:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The German healthcare HTA body IQWiG (healthcare quality and economy institute), the executive arm of the G-BA reimbursement decision-making body, has come under fire from the national hospitals federation (DKG) over a negative recommendation on stem cell therapy in acute leukaemia cases. DKG president Dr Rudolf Kosters disagreed with the recommendation, delivered in a report in June 4, saying that IQWiG's methodology was not suited to this type of decision-making, that the G-BA should not base action on the recommendation pending further consultation, and that it is counter to established scientific knowledge. The report would doubtless provoke major concerns among seriously ill patients, he said, adding that transplant centres need to be able to implement the highest standards of care.