Guidelines For Health Research
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - It will become mandatory in Brunei that all research with human subjects be conducted in line with a research framework the Ministry of Health has established, marking yet another milestone in the health field in the country.

Being aware of the challenges in starting medical research in Brunei, the minister said, "I believe that research is the way forward and if we want to see progress in the fields of science and medicines, we need to invest in research. I know there have been various forms of research-epidemiological studies of disease patterns, case reviews and clinical studies - being carried out already. Today will mark a new milestone in our efforts to promote and strengthen research in this country," he added.

"The ultimate benefit of research lies not only in the generation of new knowledge but in the translation of this knowledge into technologies, interventions and strategies which are then effectively and appropriately delivered to those who would benefit. Ultimately, one hopes that health research would contribute effectively and efficiently to health system development, health improvement and health equity. In order to reach this objective, it is imperative that the entire research process be pursued within the context of contemporary knowledge, good ethics, effective policy, adequate resources and international cooperation," the minister said.

Up to now there are very few purely scientific research projects that have been done, although a clinical research unit is currently being set up at RIPAS Hospital to coordinate and facilitate research projects in Brunei. This was remarked by Dato Samuel Yap Kai San Chairperson of Medical and Health Research and Ethics Committee in his presentation during the event.

Earlier, those present heard remarks from Dr Alice Yong, co-chairperson of the event who said, "A major focus of the Brunei Darussalam Guidelines for GCP (Good Clinical Practices) is to help initiate and shape the research culture in Brunei Darussalam."

The event also witnessed the launching of the Guidebook followed by the guest of honour sprinkling scented water on the book. Dr Lim Teck Orin, Director of Clinical Research Centre, Kuala Lumpur Hospital in West Malaysia, spoke on clinical research -- what it takes to make it happen - in his presentation.

Dato Yap, Chairperson of Medical and Health Research and Ethics Committee, spoke on 'Clinical Research in Brunei Darussalam', where he said that "hopefully medical research will then be elevated to the next level and we will begin to see the conduct of medical trials. We are mindful of our limitations in manpower, infrastructure and funding".

With the implementation of e-health in the future, data collection, storage and retrieval will be made that much easier. Reliable information comes from a reliable source. So a good data bank is important, he said.

Good Clinical Practice is an international ethical and scientific quality standard for designing, conducting, recording and reporting trials that involve the participation of human subjects.

This standard provides assurance that the data and results are credible and accurate. It also assures that the rights, integrity and confidentiality of trial subjects are protected. It is mandatory for investigators to adhere to these guidelines to conduct trials in Brunei.

The Ministry of Health will be organising the 2nd GCP workshop from May 10-12, to provide an overview of clinical research with a comprehensive review of the Brunei Darussalam guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.

Over 30 doctors and allied health professionals will participate in the workshop. On hand to facilitate the workshop are distinguished researchers and speakers from the Ministry of Health, as well as invited speakers from clinical research centre, Kuala Lumpur hospital and MOH Malaysia.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Related News: Moh Push To Promote Health Research

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