Developing a Medical Research Governance Strategy for Sri Lanka

This program will provide the opportunity for the School of Public Health (SPHPM) at Monash University, Alfred Health and the National Health and Medical Council (NHMRC) of Australia to help the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health develop a framework for ethics and governance for Sri Lanka. Governance is identified as a Country Priority and a Development issue for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has a successful health care system in the region due to the Government-provided healthcare which is free for all citizens. This gives clinicians access to patient data that, if used correctly, can be used to change and modify practice. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka there are gaps in the research projects even when they are approved through an ethics committees (Perera, J. et al. 2005). A robust research system requires a rigorous governance framework. This program will allow Fellowship holders to observe Australian ethics committees, be trained in good research practice and in the design and disseminate of research findings. The program will be delivered by world renowned experts in this area. Furthermore, they will be able to engage in discussions with NHMRC staff to develop and implement Sri Lanka’s National Statement and Centralised ethical review process.