SHCC forms Institutional Research Board to promote research

KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has established its Institutional Research Board (IRB) with the aim to review the research projects for scientific and ethical values and promote responsible research culture for health in the Sindh province.

The IRB will also facilitate researchers by reviewing research projects and ensuring that the rights and welfare of human subjects are being protected. The IRB welcomes research projects of experienced as well as amateur researchers willing to initiate research in the areas of healthcare subjects, especially in Sindh. The main emphasis will be given on issues such as infection prevention and control, injection safety, and other health-related topics.

The SHCC will utilize such research projects focused on creating an impact on healthcare quality improvement in Sindh and presenting solutions for improvement in areas of healthcare service delivery.

The SHCC has notified members of the IRB including Dr Rafique Khanani, Chairman, Dr Faiza Erum Bhutto, Coordinator, Dr Tasneem Ahmed, Member, Dr Nazir Khan, Member, Dr Sharaf Ali Shah, Member, Justice Sabir Chippa, Member, Dr Najia Mansoor, Member, Dr Ayaz Mustafa, Member, and Ms Sameen Zaidi, Member.

The team from the Directorate of Clinical Governance and Training also attended the three-day workshop (TOT) on Patient Safety Friendly Health Initiative organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Karachi.

Additionally, the SHCC is planning to establish its district offices at Ghotki, Noshero- Feroze, and Khairpur, and a divisional office at Mirpur Khas.

The Directorate of Anti-Quackery has sealed an additional 28 healthcare establishments (HCEs’) in the Sindh province, bringing the total count to 2148. Warnings issued to various HCEs’ for non-compliance till date are 564.

The Directorate of Complaints has received a total 99 complaints out of which 56 complaints have been disposed of, 37 claims are under process, while six are sub-judice.