Assessment of Medical / Health Agencies Designated as Research Centers in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Most of the organizations/individuals that are conducting health research in Nepal have been violating the rights and safety of the study participants. They are not interested to submit their research proposal for ethical approval from any recognized review boards/committees. Moreover, most of medical/health agencies (hospitals, polyclinics, NGOs etc.) designated as research centers were reluctant to collaborate and networking with each other. In this context, NHRC would like to update and assess the number of Medical/Health Agencies (Hospitals, Polyclinics, NGOs etc.) designated as Research Centers established since 15 July 2005 to 31 December 2010. Methods: For the evaluation, 23% research centers were selected by simple random sampling method. The information was collected using semi-structured questionnaire. A data management system was developed which incorporated a system of editing and documentation at all level of the study. Results: The study found that 44% of districts in Nepal have health related research centers. Twenty percent of research centers were found to conduct health research but very less percent (5-7%) of research centers actually submitted their research proposal to authentic review board/committee for ethical approval. It was interesting to know that 15% of research centers have written the word "research" in their signboard without prior knowledge on it. Conclusions: There were 370 research centers in Nepal till 31 December 2010 but very few of them conducted research after obtaining ethical approval. So, surveillance system should be strengthened for monitoring these research centers. Keywords: evaluation; health related research centers; research; research centers.