Protocol for the cost-effectiveness of parenteral iron and oral iron therapy for first-line management of anaemia among pregnant women in a natural programme setting in Gujarat

INTRODUCTION: Maternal anaemia is a major public health issue in India. The government of India recommends parenteral iron to manage moderate and severe grades of anaemia. In contrast to its clinical efficacy, the cost-effectiveness of intravenous iron sucrose and ferric carboxymaltose is not yet established in Indian context. This article illustrates the protocol of health technology assessment to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of intravenous therapy on the improvement of haemoglobin concentration over oral therapy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study will be carried out in two districts of Gujarat state. The study participants will be selected by a proportionate sampling method from the rural, tribal, desert and coastal region of the districts. Data will be collected over 1 year on key outcome indicators using a mixed-method approach. Key informant interviews will be conducted, and cost data will be gathered to perform cost-effectiveness analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is approved by the Technical Appraisal Committee of Health Technology Assessment India, Department of Health Research and Institutional Ethics Committee of the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar.