Doha:HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud emphasized the crucial role of the National Committee for Health Research Ethics in strengthening Qatar's health research framework during the committee's inaugural meeting.
According to Qatar News Agency, the minister highlighted the importance of adhering to ethical and legal standards in health research to foster a safe and advanced research environment, thereby improving the quality of research outputs.
The meeting focused on several key topics, including the committee's main competencies and functions as outlined by national legislation. These include establishing ethical frameworks to leverage health research for innovation and healthcare enhancement, while ensuring alignment with best practices and international standards.
Additionally, the committee discussed measures to ensure the continuity and legal compliance of research activities. The regulatory and licensing responsibilities of the committee were also reviewed, including licensing research institutions and review committees, overseeing clinical trials, and regulating biobank licenses. These efforts aim to support governance and oversight in this critical sector.
The committee was formed in accordance with Cabinet Decision No. 13 of 2026, defining its competencies. Its membership includes representatives from various national bodies, such as the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar University, and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, among others.