Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organised a workshop titled “Developing Frameworks Related to the Governance of Health Research Ethics in the UAE” in Dubai.
The event brought together experts and specialists from strategic health sector partners, academic institutions, and the private sector, where they reviewed and discussed ways to upgrade the regulatory frameworks developed by the National Centre for Health Research in collaboration with experts from Monash University, Australia.
The frameworks discussed were designed to bolster the health research system in the UAE, aiming to sustain excellence and global leadership in healthcare research and innovation. The workshop also aimed to foster meaningful participation among experts and stakeholders, facilitating robust partnerships and collaborations across various sectors.
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, delivered a speech at the workshop, which discussed a series of framework
s developed by the National Centre for Health Research in collaboration with Monash University.
Such frameworks, aligned with international best practices, cover several key areas: health research ethics, guidelines for health research ethics committees that clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure thorough and independent research reviews, mechanisms for accrediting these committees, and regulations for responsible conduct in health research to uphold professional commitments.
Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, MoHAP Undersecretary, emphasised that the ministry will continue to collaborate with strategic partners in the health sector, both local and international academic institutions, and the private sector to standardise regulations and procedures for governing health research, enhancing cooperation in research across the UAE.
He highlighted the ministry is committed to supporting health research initiatives that improve healthcare quality and reinforce the UAE’s status as a hub for health innovation.
Al
Olama added that the ministry is keen to establish unified regulations for health research ethics, essential for ensuring that research is conducted in line with responsible practices, while safeguarding participants’ rights, particularly in clinical research.
Meanwhile, Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Qayed, Director of the National Centre for Health Research at the ministry, stressed the importance of unifying frameworks related to health research ethics to ensure adherence to scientific integrity, transparency, and responsibility at every stage of the research process.
Qayed noted that partnerships offer valuable opportunities for exchanging experiences and insights to build a sustainable research environment in the country and enhance the UAE’s position as a leader in the field of health research.
Source: Emirates News Agency